Belle Chasse Post Office sued after woman trips in sidewalk crack

The Belle Chasse Post Office is being blamed for a woman's injuries after she tripped in a crack of its sidewalk in 2009.

Phyllis P. DiFebbo filed suit against United States of America d/b/a United States Postal Services and The Postmaster of the Belle Chasse Post Office.

The incident occurred on Sept. 8, 2009, as DiFebbo was exiting the Post Office. She states she was walking on the entrance, when she stepped into a crack off of the sloped walkway causing her to twist her ankle and fall to the ground.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to properly construct the walkway, in violation of building codes and regulations, failing to properly maintain the sidewalk, and for failing to warn and timely repair the defective condition.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, disability, loss of bodily function, physical impairment, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, court costs and interest.

DiFebbo is represented by Mark A. Pivach of Pivach, Pivach, Hufft & Thriffiley, LLC in Belle Chasse.

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02984