Pontchartrain Center sued by woman who claims disability after fall in puddle of water

GRETNA – A Terrebonne Parish woman is suing a local convention center and its operators after she fell in a puddle of water at a trade show.

Elizabeth S. Blanchard filed suit against Sysco Corporation, Gallagher Bassett Services Inc., Ponthchartrain Convention & Civic Center, The Pontchartrtain Center, SMG, SMG Holdings and the City of Kenner in the 24th Judicial District Court on March. 19.

Blanchard claims she was attending the Sysco Foods Show at the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center located at 4545 Williams Blvd. in Kenner on March 21, 2012 when she exited the restroom, slipped in a puddle of water and fell to the floor. The plaintiff alleges she received numerous injuries in the incident including to her mental state, back, knees and toes for which she has undergone treatment with numerous medical professionals and may need further surgery.

The defendant is accused of failing to keep its aisles and floors in a reasonably safe condition, failing to put forth a reasonable effort to keep the premises free of hazards, failing to prevent the plaintiff from suffering harm on the property, failing to warn the plaintiff of the danger, failing to properly inspect the property, failing to provide a safe environment for guests, failing to warn the plaintiff of the property’s unreasonable risks of harm, failing to implement proper procedures t o maintain a safe environment, failing to implement a proper plan to inspect and remove hazards, failing to provide a hazard-free environment, failing to remedy a danger and failing to comply with applicable building codes.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for personal injuries, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, aggravation, annoyance, discomfort, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, disability and destruction of earning capacity.

Blanchard is represented by Conrad S. Williams III of Houma-based Williams Law Group LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Walter J. Rothschild.

Case no. 725-042.