87-year-old woman claims walker is defective

NEW ORLEANS - An 87-year-old woman has filed lawsuit claiming that her walker was defective and caused her to fall.

Martha Wornner filed suit against Christian Home Health Care Inc., Drive Medical Design and Manufacturing, Medtrade and Duramed Inc. in Orleans Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans last month.

Wornner claims the locks on the handle of the walker malfunctioned, causing her to fall on Sept. 26, 2012. She alleges she suffered injuries to her head, brain and nervous system and back.

The defendant is accused of negligence for providing a defective walker to Wornner, failing to provide a safe walker for Wornner’s use, failing to warn Wornner of possible defects in the walker, and for failing to inspect and take positive action to correct the dangerous condition.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for medical expenses, residual disabilities, mental anguish, emotional upset, distress, psychological sequelae, loss of the enjoyment of life, rehabilitation and support care, interest, and court costs.

Wornner is represented by Benjamin J. Birdsall Jr. of Birdsall Law Firm in New Orleans.

Case No. 2:13-cv-06416