LOUISIANA RECORD

GRETNA – A landlord is being sued by a tenant who claims she was permanently injured when she fell due to a faulty set of stairs.

Michaelle M. Martinez filed suit against Larry L. McGaha in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 30.

Martinez asserts that on Oct. 31, 2013 she was a tenant living on the second floor of a property located at 609 Deerfield Road in Terrytown owned by McGaha and that in the rear of the building, including the area where the stairs were located, the lighting was not working. The plaintiff claims that she was going down the stairs, which lacked a handrail, and that the last step failed, throwing her to the ground.

The defendant is accused of failing to provide a safe environment, failing to warn of an unsafe condition, failing to inspect the premises, failing to detect an unreasonably dangerous condition, failing to replace light fixtures, failing to install handrails, failing to replace structurally failed guardrails, failing to take all means necessary to avoid the injury and failing to retire pedestrian traffic away from the area.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress and temporary and permanent disabilities.

Martinez is represented by attorney Harold L. Ehrenburg of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.

Case no. 743-856.