John W. Ellinghausen
NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans woman is suing a local restaurant for injuries she claims to have received when she fell on the steps at its entrance.
Ernestine Knight filed suit against New Orleans Fondue, LLC, Chamary, LLC and its insurers in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Sept. 21. Knight claims she was entering the Melting Pot located at 1820 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans when she fell to the floor. The plaintiff alleges that the interior steps at the entrance of the building were defective and that she was severely injured in the fall as a result.
The defendant is accused of failing to comply with city building code, failing to comply with life safety code, failing to have properly maintained steps, failing to properly inspect steps, failing to properly design and construct steps, failing to provide an adequate handrail, failing to correct the defect after notice, failing to provide a safe entrance and exit and failing to warn customers of a dangerous condition.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for disabling injuries, mental pain and suffering, physical pain and suffering, medical expenses and disfigurement.
Knight is represented by John W. Ellinghausen of New Orleans-based Kinney, Ellinghausen, Richard and DeSazo.
The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Piper D. Griffin.
Case no. 2012-08943.