Restaurant sued by woman who claims she was seriously injured in fall at buffet

GRETNA – A restaurant located in a corporate hotel is being sued by a customer who claims she was injured in a fall in a puddle at the buffet just weeks after a restaurant employee was injured in a fall in the same spot. 

Jennifer Hyde filed suit against PHF Metairie LLC, Marriott New Orleans Metairie at Lakeway, Bistreaux Restaurant, Fillmore Hospitality LLC, CAN Insurance Company and Columbia Casualty Co. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 17.

Hyde asserts on Feb. 25, 2013 she was a customer at the Bistreaux Restaurant located in the Marriott New Orleans Metairie at Lakeway when she slipped in a dirty pool of water next to the salad bar and fell to the floor. The plaintiff she was injured in the fall.

Hyde claims that the restaurant staff knew that the leak had been a problem for some time and an employee had been injured in a fall at the same spot a few weeks prior, but they had neglected to fix it, the suit states.

The defendant is accused of failing to use care and diligence to maintain the premises, failing to timely repair broken and leaking equipment, negligent hiring and retention of employees, negligent instruction of employees, failing to create and enforce procedures to maintain a safe premises, failing to warn the plaintiff and failing to take necessary action to protect the plaintiff.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, pocket expenses, disability and disfigurement.

Hyde is represented by attorney Adam S. Lambert of New Orleans.

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

Case no. 735-618.