Rite Aid sued by woman who tripped over hand basket

GRETNA – A corporate pharmacy is being sued by a woman who tripped over a hand basket at one of its local stores.

Johnnie L. Russell filed suit against K&B Louisiana Corporation and Rite Aid Pharmacy in the 24th Judicial District Court on July 26.

Russell claims that on Jan. 3 at 3 p.m. she was shopping at the Rite Aid pharmacy located at 4115 Jefferson Highway in Jefferson. The 87-year-old plaintiff alleges as she was walking down one of the aisles she was looking at items on the store’s shelves when she stepped on a hand basket and tripped and fell to the floor. Russell asserts that received several injuries in the fall including to her head, back, chest and knees.

The defendant is accused of failing to maintain a reasonably safe condition, placing or allowing a hand basket to remain on the floor, failing to warn the plaintiff of the danger presented by the hand basket and failing to exercise due care with respect to detecting and removing the hand basket from the floor.

Damages exceeding $50,000 are sought for physical pain and suffering, psychological pain and suffering, medical expenses and future loss of earnings.

Russell is represented by Daniel J. Mackel Jr. of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.

Case no. 729-344.