GRETNA – A corporate clothing retailer is being sued by a customer who claims she received disabling injuries when an employee let a door close on her.
Linda Washington filed suit against J.C. Penney Corporation Inc. and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 12.
Washington claims that on Feb. 17, 2014 she was a customer at the J.C. Penney located at 197 Westbank Expressway in Gretna when the store was in the process of closing for the evening. The plaintiff alleges that as she and a friend were leaving the defendant’s premises they were asked by an employee named Andrea to use a certain exit door as other doors to the store had been locked for the evening. Washington contends that while the employee, Andrea, held the door open for her she released it before she was able to clear the threshold completely causing the door to strike her in the left arm and shoulder and to fall backwards into her friend.
Washington asserts she received severe and disabling injuries in the incident.
The defendant is accused of failing to properly maintain the premises, failing to warn guests of a hazard, failing to adequately inspect the premises, placing guests in a perilous situation, creating a hazard, failing to properly train employees, failing to correct a known defect and failing to properly instruct employees regarding the safety of others.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, loss of function, scarring and disfigurement.
Washington is represented by attorney Charlsey Wolff of New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.
Case no. 746-694.