Spectator at the Smoothie King Center sues after allegedly being thrown from an escalator

NEW ORLEANS – A woman alleges she was injured after being heaved off a faulty escalator while leaving a New Orleans Pelicans game.

Kara Howell filed suit against Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District and SMG in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Sept. 11.

Howell claims that on Dec. 11, 2013, she was in attendance at the New Orleans Arena, presently known as the “Smoothie King Center.” She was watching a basketball game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons in Section 300. When the contest between the two teams ended, she proceeded to leave the arena via the closest escalator to her section.

As the escalator began to descend, suddenly and without warning, it came to a violent stop, causing Howell to allegedly be jolted forward and backward in attempt to maintain her balance. The petitioner contends she sustained acute injuries to her lumbar spine as a result of the incident.

The defendants are accused of failing to prevent a hazardous condition, warn the petitioner of the defective escalator, repair the faulty escalator, properly examine the escalator prior to the basketball game and use reasonable care.

The plaintiff is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for pain and suffering, mental agony and medical expenses.

The plaintiff is represented by attorney Darryl Harrison.

The case has been assigned to Div. N Judge Ethel S. Julien.

Case no. 2014-08945.