Woman sues after allegedly falling in open manhole

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans woman is suing for allegedly falling in an open manhole.

Sherry J. Crawford filed suit on March 1 in Orleans Parish Civil District Court against the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, Whitney Bank, the City of New Orleans and their insurers.

Crawford claims she was walking along a sidewalk on Common Street in New Orleans when she fell in the open manhole and seriously injured her foot and ankle. She alleges she did not see the uncovered manhole because the sun had set and nearby streetlights were broken out.

Given the location of the manhole adjacent to Whitney Bank the plaintiff alleges Whitney Bank had a legal duty to ensure the manhole was covered.

According to the filing, the City of New Orleans was also listed in the suit due to the street lights in the area not being functional.

Crawford claims the incident resulted in her sustaining fractures to her ankle and foot, which required multiple operations and surgical implantation of screws and other hardware.

An amount greater than $50,000 in damages is sought for the plaintiff's injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent impairment and movement limitations.

Crawford is being represented by Metairie-based attorney Scott LaBarre.

The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Piper D. Griffin.

Case number 2012-02001