Woman who was pregnant at time of fall in hospital parking lot sues for full disability

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish hospital is being sued by a St. John the Baptist Parish woman who fell while pregnant in a parking lot hole.

Ashleigh Parnell filed suit against Tulane-Lakeside Hospital and theirs insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 18.

Parnell claims that on July 21, 2012 she was nine months pregnant and having contractions when she went to the emergency room at Tulane Lakeside Hospital located at 10 Service Road W. in Metairie.

The plaintiff alleges that she was exiting the emergency room she tripped on a hole in the parking lot’s pavement and fell to ground. Parnell claims she suffered psychiatric and psychological damages, an ankle injury, a back injury and fear for her unborn child.

The defendant is accused of failing to monitor the walking area of the parking lot and its exterior premises, failing to properly inspect the premises, failing to train personnel, failing to take action to place warning signs, failing to monitor the parking lot and generally failing to exercise due care under the circumstances.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, medication expenses, lost wages, opportunity costs, pain and suffering, psychiatric damage, psychological damage and emotional distress.

Parnell is represented by attorney Tomy J. Acosta of LaPlace.

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

Case no. 726-161.