New Orleans Museum of Art sued over grandmother’s injury on City Park bridge

NEW ORLEANS – A woman is suing the New Orleans Museum of Art for its alleged negligence involving a fall at City Park.

Aura Barrosse filed suit against the New Orleans Museum of Art in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on June 25.

The suit states that on June 26, 2013, Barrosse and members of her family were guests at the Sculpture Garden in City Park in New Orleans. Barrosse claims that while crossing the bridge between a pond and the lagoon, which bisects the garden, her foot became caught in the open spaces between the bridge's steps.

The plaintiff asserts that when her foot became caught, her leg twisted and she fell onto the bridge. Barrosse alleges that with the help of her family, she was taken to Touro Hospital. There, the plaintiff was diagnosed with proximal tibia and fibula fractures. Barrosse claims that surgery was discussed, though her physicians chose a circumspect course of treatment due to the plaintiff's age.

According to the petition, Barrosse was prescribed a knee immobilizer, could not move for an extended period, underwent months of physical therapy and has difficulty walking.

Barrosse asserts that the bridge was defective in design and unreasonably dangerous. The plaintiff further claims that a security guard asked her if she had seen a "caution" sign. Barrosse states that neither she nor her family saw a caution sign, and denies that there ever was one located in an effective position.

The defendant is accused of negligence.

The plaintiff seeks an unknown amount in damages for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, loss of household services and loss of enjoyment of life.

Barrosse is represented by attorney Kim M. O'Dowd.

The case has been assigned to District I Judge Piper D. Griffin.

Case no. 2014-06280.