J.C. Penney sued by shopper who tripped over mannequin base

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish woman is suing a national retailer for injuries she claims to have received in a fall at one of its local stores.

Doris W. Lala filed suit against J.C. Penney Corporation Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on April. 1.

Lala claims that she was shopping at the J.C. Penney located at 3301 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie when she hit her leg on a mannequin platform, fell and struck her face on the floor. The plaintiff assert she received serious injuries in the fall including fractures to her face.

The defendant is accused of violating Louisiana’s merchant liability statute, presenting a hazard by allowing the display stand in the store aisle and having knowledge of a hazard.

Damages not to exceed $75,000 are sought for general damages, medical expenses, legal interest and court costs.

Lala is represented by Rachel M. Abadie of Baton Rouge-based Melancon Rimes.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 725-509.