AMF Bowling Centers in Kenner sued by bowler claiming wood popped up on approach

NEW ORLEANS - A Jefferson Parish woman has filed a lawsuit claiming she was injured when she fell at a bowling alley.

Joyce Hoffman filed suit against AMF Bowling Centers Inc. on Aug. 9 in Jefferson Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Sept. 5.

The alleged incident occurred on April 10 as Hoffman was bowling at the AMF All Star Lanes located in Kenner.  As Hoffman was approaching her lane to bowl, her foot hit a piece of the wood on the bowling lane and the wood popped up and dug into her foot, causing her to fall hard on the ground.

Hoffman claims that the piece of wood that popped up created an unreasonably dangerous condition and caused her to fall.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to give warnings of the dangerous condition, failing to properly inspect and maintain the area to discover the dangerous condition, failing to warn of inherent dangers, failing to do what was necessary to keep the bowling lane level and safe, failing to provide a safe service area for its customers, failing to properly supervise and instruct its employees to discover, report and remedy defects in the premises, and for allowing a hazardous condition or defect to exist, which presented an unreasonably risk of harm to its customers.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, mental pain and anguish, physical disability, physical disfigurement and scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, interest, and court costs.

Hoffman is represented by George B. Recile and Matthew A. Sherman of Chehardy, Sherman, Ellis, Murray, Recile, Griffith, Stakelum & Hayes, LLP in Metairie. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:13-cv-05742