NEW ORLEANS – A couple is seeking damages, claiming that the woman fell down stairs due to poor lighting at the Smoothie King Center.
Sherry Rachal and Randy Rachal filed a suit against the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, SMG, Beaver Productions Inc., Atlantic Specialty Insurance Co. and Insure Rite in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
According to the claim, the plaintiffs were at the Smoothie King Center at 1501 Girod St. on March 8, 2015, when the incident took place. The suit states that Sherry Rachal was walking down the steps at the venue to use the restroom when the lights turned off. She alleges that when she found the end of the hand rail, she assumed she had reached the landing, but because of the inadequate light she missed a step and fell. The suit states the fall caused a torn rotator cuff and other injuries.
The defendants are accused of negligence through failing to provide the appropriate lighting to make the venue safe for visitors and overall negligence.
The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount in damages. The plaintiffs are represented by Richard A. Tomry II, Raymond Brinson, Brian L. Glorioso and Douglass E. Alongia of Tonry, Brinson & Glorioro in Slidell.
The case has been assigned to Division E Judge Clare Jupiter.
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court Case number 2016-2366