Planet Fitness, contractor sued by laborer who claims he fell while hanging wallpaper

GRETNA – A subcontractor who was in the middle of a job hanging wallpaper at a local gym is claiming the main contractor on the project took away his scaffolding and forced him to use a ladder which failed and caused him to fall and injure his back.

John T. Hoard filed suit against Urban Partners Construction LLC, Brian Soulby, Planet LA-Metairie LLC, Planet Fitness Equipment LLC, Airline DG LLC and their insurers in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 7.

Hoard claims he was subcontracted by Urban Partners Construction to hang wallpaper at the Planet Fitness located at 100 North Labarre Road in Metairie and that on April 9, 2014 he was engaged in hanging wallpaper at the location when Urban Partners and Soulby removed a set of scaffolding her was using. The plaintiff alleges the defendants instructed him to continue hanging wallpaper by using a ladder and that he was doing so when he lost his balance and fell to the ground. Hoard contends his back was injured in the incident.

The defendant is accused of failing to take into account the safety of others, failing to use reasonable care, failing to properly inspect the premises, failing to prevent dangerous conditions, failing to properly supervise the premises, failing to act reasonably and prudently and failing to prevent incident.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, anxiety, inconvenience, nervousness, inability to perform normal and usual functions, disability, medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses and loss of wages.

Hoard is represented by attorney Todd M. Korbel of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Donald A. Rowan Jr.

Case no. 748-435.