Harrah’s sued after woman allegedly falls from stool, is taken away by ambulance

NEW ORLEANS – A Texas woman is suing Harrah's for its alleged role in her fall from a stool located in the company's downtown New Orleans casino.

Polly Martinez filed suit against Jazz Casino Company LLC and Harrah's New Orleans Casino in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Aug. 11.

Martinez claims that on Aug. 10, 2013 she was a patron at Harrah's casino at 228 Poydras Street in New Orleans. The plaintiff alleges that when she attempted to sit on a stool inside the casino, the seat back of the chair was poorly attached. Martinez asserts that the stool's condition caused her to lose her balance and fall to the ground.

According to the suit, Martinez' fall caused permanent, debilitating and severe injuries, including damage to her left leg, back, pelvis and body. The plaintiff claims that she required an ambulance to remove her from the casino because of the severe pain caused by her fall.

Martinez alleges that she continues to experience pain resulting from the incident at Harrah's, and has had to endure months of medical treatment and therapy.

The defendant is accused of negligence, including failure to keep the casino in a reasonably safe condition free from any defects.

The plaintiff seeks an unknown amount in damages for pain and suffering, mental pain, emotional pain, anguish, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, medical expenses and loss of enjoyment of life.

Polly Martinez is represented by Ryan E. Beasley Sr. of the Law Office of Ryan E. Beasley LLC.

The case has been assigned to District H Pro Tempore Judge Lynn Luker.

Case no. 2014-07867.