NEW ORLEANS – A basketball fan is suing owners of a New Orleans arena, alleging he suffered traumatic brain injuries after a fall on a staircase.
Claude Martin, individually and on behalf of his minor children Claudriell McLauren and Tahj Claude Martin, filed a lawsuit Jan. 26 against SMG Worldwide Entertainment and Convention Venue Management, and the state of Louisiana through the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 30, 2016, Claude Martin, was at the Smoothie King Center for a basketball game when he slipped and fell on liquid that had been left on a staircase. The suit says the fall and injuries were so severe that Martin suffered seizures and was taken to Tulane Hospital where he was treated for dislocated shoulders and an altered mental status as well as hemorrhaging and a traumatic brain injury.
The defendants are accused of negligence through failing to properly maintain the arena, failing to place a sign warning of the danger and failing to properly care for the well-being of customers.
Martin seeks all reasonable damages, court costs, attorney fees and all appropriate relief. He is represented by attorneys Jeffrey A. Mitchell and Hugo L. Chanez of The Cochran Law Firm, Metairie.
The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Tiffany G. Chase.
Orleans Parish Civil District Court Case number 17-823.