A slip-and-fall incident at a popular hotel bar has sparked a legal battle over premises liability and building code violations. Norma Jean Trayanoff filed a complaint against Omni Hotels Management Corporation and Royal O Real Estate Holdings, LLC in the Civil District Court of Orleans Parish on December 9, 2022. The case revolves around allegations of negligence related to inadequate lighting and railing at the Touché Bar, part of the Omni Royal Hotel in New Orleans.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on December 12, 2021, when Trayanoff fell while descending stairs at the Touché Bar. She claims that poor lighting and insufficient railings contributed to her fall. In her deposition, Trayanoff described the area as "looking like a dungeon" due to dim lighting and noted that she was unable to see additional steps after making a turn on the staircase. Despite surveillance footage showing lights were on, she maintained it was still too dim. Her expert witness, architect Donald A. Maginnis II, reported multiple building code violations regarding stair dimensions and handrail placements.
On November 21, 2023, the defendants sought summary judgment to dismiss Trayanoff's claims, arguing there was no defect in the steps and that any hazards were open and obvious. They supported their motion with evidence including video footage and deposition excerpts suggesting Trayanoff failed to notice or use available handrails. However, Trayanoff countered with Maginnis's affidavit highlighting discrepancies in stair measurements against national standards such as NFPA 101 and ADA guidelines.
Trayanoff seeks damages for her injuries under Louisiana Civil Code articles addressing premises liability and defective buildings. Her appeal argues genuine issues of material fact exist about whether the stairs posed an unreasonable risk of harm and if defendants had constructive knowledge of these defects due to longstanding non-compliance with safety codes.
The case was heard by Judge Paulette R. Irons but later appealed to a panel including Chief Judge Terri F. Love, Judge Sandra Cabrina Jenkins, and Judge Karen K. Herman who reversed the trial court’s decision granting summary judgment for defendants. Attorneys Jordan T. LeBlanc, Clarence F. Favret III, James C. Cronvich represent Trayanoff while E. Madison Barton and Kyle P. Kirsch defend Omni Hotels Management Corporation and Royal O Real Estate Holdings. The case ID is: 2024CA0366.