Man sues Copeland’s restaurant claiming dim lighting caused slip and fall

COVINGTON – A man is suing a Slidell Copeland’s restaurant after allegedly slipping and falling on his way to the restroom.

Todd Murphy filed suit against Al Copeland Investments Inc., doing business as Copeland’s of New Orleans No. 5 and Evanston Insurance Company, in the 22nd Judicial District Court on July 17.

Murphy alleges that on July 23, 2013, he was dining at Copeland’s of New Orleans in Slidell. While “proceeding down a dimly lit walkway to the restroom,” the plaintiff claims that he slipped and fell in standing water on the ground. He states he observed water flowing from the nearby kitchen and accumulating in the restroom hallway.

The plaintiff contends that he sustained multiple injuries that could have been prevented if the defendant had taken the proper measures. He alleges severe and permanent arm, shoulder, elbow, back and neck pain, along with a large herniated cervical disk, nerve compression and herniation. Murphy asserts that he is now a “surgical candidate” due to the large herniated cervical disk and nerve damage that the fall allegedly induced.

The defendant is accused of multiple acts of negligence, including failing to warn the plaintiff of dangerous conditions, failing to keep its property free from vices and defects, failing to adequately inspect its property, failing to correct a potentially hazardous condition, failing to train its employees and failing to provide adequate lighting in the restroom hallway.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought by the plaintiff for medical, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, rehabilitative and surgical expenses; physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering; loss of enjoyment of life; loss of wages; diminution of wage earning capacity; disabilities; and residual physical impairments.

The plaintiff is represented by attorney Randolph C. Slone of Slidell.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge William J. Knight.

Case no. 2014-13242.