Property owner sued by woman who stepped in hole

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans woman is suing a property owner after allegedly stepping in a hole and injuring herself.

Catherine Journee filed suit against Terrich Properties, LLC, American Empire Surplus Lines insurance Company, Eloise Lindsey and their insurer in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on June 19.

Journee claims she was visiting a property owned by Terrich Properties when she allegedly stepped in a hole that was obscured by grass and injured herself. The plaintiff alleges she received injuries to her head, neck, back, extremities, shoulders, legs, ankles and feet.

Journee asserts the property owner had prior knowledge of the hole after being informed by another person who had fallen in it.

The defendant is accused of failing to warn its guests of the dangers of the hole, failing to properly mark and warn of the unsafe condition, failing to properly maintain its area in and around the residence in a clean and safe condition, failing to use reasonable care to keep the premises free of defective vices, failing to properly inspect the premises, failing to keep proper maintenance of its grounds and yard, failing to keep the property safe, disregarding the safety of others, failing to take reasonable actions and having constructive notice of the conditions prior to the plaintiff's injuries.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain, embarrassment, disability, medical expenses, loss of earnings and impairment of earning capacity.

Journee is represented by Dennis E. Rinck, Jr. of Kenner-based Rivertown Law Center, LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Paula A. Brown.

Case no. 2012-06041.