Tenant sues landlord claiming she stepped in uncovered water valve

GRETNA – A tenant of a local apartment complex is suing for injuries she claims to have revived after stepping into an unmarked water valve hole.

Lori Callaghan filed suit against Gatehouse Apartments, Feil Organization LLC, Feil Organization Louisiana LLC, Broadwall Management Corporation, U.S. Specialty Insurance Company, Cole’s Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Inc., Cole’s Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors LLC and Consolidated Waterworks District No. 1 of the Parish of Jefferson in the 24th Judicial District Court on April 17.

Callaghan claims that on April 29, 2014 she was walking in the parking lot of the Gatehouse Apartments when she was injured after suddenly stepping into an uncovered hole containing a water valve. The plaintiff alleges that the uncovered water valve was not marked to warn of the hole in the parking lot. Callaghan contends she injured her ankle in the incident on which had previously undergone surgery and had plate and screws implanted.

The plaintiff asserts that after she stepped into the water valve hole an employee of either Broadwall Management Corporation or Cole’s Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Inc. asked if it had improperly been left uncovered.

The defendant is accused of failing to exercise care for pedestrians, failing to provide competent personnel, failing to employ proper safeguards, allowing a danger to exist and creating and allowing a dangerous condition.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, emotional trauma, loss of wages and loss of enjoyment of life.

Callaghan is represented by attorney Charles P. Ciaccio of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division P Judge Lee V. Faulkner Jr.

Case no. 748-798.