Stage Stores sued by woman who tripped in parking lot

GRETNA – A corporate retailer is being sued by a woman who claims she was severely injured in a fall in their parking lot.

Sharon M. Baio filed suit against Stage Stores Inc., Weingarten Realty Investors and WRI/TEXLA LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 8.

Baio asserts she was in the parking lot of Stage Stores located at 1745 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey when she tripped and fell to the ground. The plaintiff alleges that her fall was due to defective and unsafe conditions in the parking lot including at the entrance, parking barriers and curbs. Baio claims she received severe injuries to her knees, low back, pelvis, left elbow, right hand and wrist, right chest wall, right breast and hips in the fall.

The defendant is accused of improper maintenance, posing an unreasonable risk of injury, maintaining a defective parking lot, failing to warn petitioner of the parking lot condition, creating a trap, failing to properly and adequately keep a pedestrian pathway clear and safe, failing to properly inspect the area and failing to correct the dangerous condition of the premises.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical treatment, medical expenses, monetary losses, pain and suffering, permanent disability and emotional distress.

Baio is represented by Olden C. Toups Jr. of Gretna-based Grant & Barrow.

The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Ross P. LaDart.

Case no. 734-409.