Woman claims carpet was defective in suit against USAA

A Jefferson Parish woman is suing the owner of her townhouse after she slipped on carpeted stairs and fell.

Elizabeth Jean Dixon filed suit against United Services Automobile Association d/b/a a/k/a USAA Casualty Insurance Co. d/b/a a/k/a USAA Insurance Agency Inc., as insurer for Edward Iannuzzi, individually d/b/a a/k/a Iannuzzi LA and Iannuzzi on Feb. 8 in federal court in New Orleans.

The incident occurred on Feb. 17, 2010 as Dixon was attempting to descend downstairs of her townhouse, when she slipped and fell.

Dixon accuses the defendants of negligence by stating the handrail was defective, incomplete and wobbly and the stairs were inconsistent in size, with improperly designed tread. She states that the stairway had defective carpet, which caused her to slip.

The defendants are also accused of failing to warn Dixon of the defective and dangerous stairway and failing to maintain or repair the stairway.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for pain and suffering, disability, loss of functional capacity, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, permanent scarring and disability, humiliation, pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, interest and court costs.

Dixon is represented by Metairie attorney Glenn C. McGovern. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00269