GRETNA – A family is seeking damages, claiming that their minor son was electrocuted at the airport.
Bill Eldridge and Evonda Eldridge, on behalf of their minor children, filed a suit against the city of New Orleans by and through New Orleans Aviation Board and Ace Property & Casualty Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 30.
According to the claim, the plaintiffs' family was waiting for a flight July 2015 when the incident took place. The suit states that when the plaintiffs' minor child attempted to unplug a notebook from the outlet, he was electrocuted with such force that he was thrown backwards and struck the ground while his family was waiting for their flight. Though he was allowed to board the plane, the family allegedly was later made to get off of the plane and missed their flight. The suit then states that the family sought medical attention for their son upon returning home and he was treated for electrical shock and first-degree burns to his hand. The minor has allegedly been left with a tremendous fear of touching electrical outlets, as well as physical pain and nightmares due to the incident. He since has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
The defendant is accused of negligence by allowing such a powerful electric outlet to be accessible to guests, failure to inspect the outlets and willfully ignoring a dangerous situation.
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount in damages. The plaintiffs are represented by Gregory E. Payton and Willie Stephens of Baton Rouge.
The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Raymond S. Steib Jr.
The 24th Judicial District Court Case number 762438