NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans couple is suing the city and state, alleging the defendants' negligence caused the wife to fall into a manhole.
Lola Marvene Maher and Johny Maher filed a suit Dec. 20 against New Orleans City Park and/or New Orleans City Park Improvement Association, and the state of Louisiana , ex.rel Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, Lola Maher was at a celebration in the Oaks at City Park Dec. 20, 2015, when she fell into a 4-foot deep manhole that had been left uncovered. The suit says Maher suffered mental anguish, shock and fright, plus injuries to her lower back, left leg and both hips. The lawsuit states Johny Maher suffered loss of consortium.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants' negligence led to failure to ensure the premises were safe and failing to cover the manhole.
Lola Maher seeks reasonable monetary judgment and medical expenses. The plaintiff is represented by Robert Matlock Hearin Jr. of Hearin Law Offices in New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division E Judge Clare Jupiter.
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court Case number 16-12412.