Tenant sues New Orleans landlord over icy slip

A New Orleans man is suing his landlord after allegedly slipping on ice that covered the courtyard of his condominium.

Wayne Citron filed the complaint against Magazine Place Condominiums Homeowner's Association Nov. 16 in Orleans Parish District Court. The condo's insurance provider, State Farm Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., is also named in the suit.

In January, according to the petition, New Orleans was expected to have record low temperatures. On the afternoon of Jan. 10, Citron says he walked out of his condo and headed across the courtyard. The courtyard has a large fountain in the center. Citron says that because of previous rain the fountain had overflowed into the common area.

Citron says the overflow of water turned to ice because of the low temperatures on Jan. 10. In the complaint, he says he slipped on the ice and fell on his right side and face.

Citron is suing Magazine Place for negligence, claiming the condo failed to prevent the ice from forming or warn residents of its danger. He is suing State Farm for denying his claim for injuries, which allegedly include his back, neck and face.

Citron asks for an unspecified amount of money for damages, medical costs and court fees.

Attorneys Sally D. Fleming and Owen M. Courreges of New Orleans are representing Citron.

Orleans Parish District Court case No. 2010-11569