Harrah’s Casino sued by man claiming he suffered broken skull, disfigurement after falling down broken escalator

NEW ORLEANS – A local casino is being sued by a man who claims he fractured his skull after falling down a broken escalator.

Lee E. Edmison Jr., and wife Rosemary Edmison, filed suit against Caesars Entertainment Operating Company Inc., Harrah’s New Orleans Casino and Schindler Elevator Company in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on April 8.

Edmison claims he and his wife had been gambling at the Harrah’s Casino, owned and operated by the defendants, located at 228 Poydras St. in New Orleans on Feb. 12. The plaintiff alleges that he and his wife were exiting the casino to return to their room when they encountered an escalator. Edmison contends he attempted to step down onto the escalator not realizing it was not moving and instead fell and tumbled down the machine. The plaintiff asserts he suffered severe injuries in the fall including a fractured skull, a broken nose and spinal fluid leaking from his ear.

The defendant is accused of failing to ensure the escalator was not stopped, failing to barricade the non-moving escalator, failing to post a warning sign, failing to light the escalator, failing to properly service the escalator and failing to follow proper building codes and standards.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, emotional pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, scarring, disfigurement, loss of earnings and medical expenses.

Edmison is represented by Joseph E. “Jed” Cain of New Orleans-based Herman, Herman & Katz LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Kern A. Reese.

Case no. 2015-03283.