Man sues Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street over alleged assault

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans man claims to be injured following an altercation with employees or patrons of the bar.

Paul Cook filed suit against Blacksmith Management Inc. and three unknown persons in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Jan. 31.

The suit stems from an incident that occurred around 10 pm on Feb. 4, 2012 when Paul Cook was a customer at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar. The suit alleges that three unknown employees or patrons of the bar, two male and one female, threatened and physically attacked Cook. He claims he was unable to determine who the attackers were or if they were affiliated with the bar.

The defendant is accused of failing to properly train its employees, failing to properly supervise its employees, failing to provide adequate security and failing to ensure the safety of its patrons and business invitees.

The unknown assailants are accused of threatening the plaintiff, beating the plaintiff and injuring the plaintiff through physical contact.

Damages in excess of $50,000 are sought for bodily injuries to Cook’s head, neck, shoulders, back and extremities as well as mental anguish, physical suffering, expenses for medical care, loss of enjoyment of life, lost earnings and impaired capacity. The suit also claims property damages to the plaintiffs hearing aid device.

Cook is represented by Michael P. Higgins of the Higgins Law Firm.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Ethel S. Julien.

Case No. 2013-00983.