Woman sues over alleged injury from stepping in hole on Racetrac property

NEW ORLEANS – A Baton Rouge woman is suing the proprietors of a convenience store and fueling station after allegedly being injured when she fell in a hole on the property.

Judith K. Wright, and husband Joseph, filed suit against Racetrac Petroleum Inc., Richard T. Hartley and James Hartley in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on March 17.

On Nov. 15, 2013, Wright claims that she was injured while taking a shortcut through a grassy lot behind Racetrac Store No. 069 at 2330 O’Neal Lane in Baton Rouge. The area was allegedly open with no fences or signs prohibiting entry.

During her crossing, Wright asserts that she fell into a pit 52 inches deep and 8 inches across.

Wright alleges that the cavity was concealed by vegetation growing over it. The source of the opening was a large PVC pipe that had broken off where it leveled with the ground.

The defendant is accused of neglecting to remedy or warn against the hole in the land behind the gas station, which purportedly resulted in Wright’s injury.

The plaintiff is seeking an unknown amount in damages for injuries as defined by Louisiana law, including special, general and consortium damages.

The Wrights are being represented by Russell W. Beall of Beall & Thies LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Paulette R. Irons.

Case no. 2014-02656.