A Mississippi woman has filed a lawsuit against several hospitality companies following an injury she sustained at a hotel in Louisiana. On January 23, 2025, Paula Gamboa filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Marriot International, Inc., Blue Ocean Hospitality, LLC, Blue Sky Hospitality LLC, and Navika Capital Group, LLC.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on January 23, 2024, when Gamboa attended the "Reps on the Road" trade show at the Marriot Metairie at Lakeway in Metairie, Louisiana. While making her way to the elevators leading to the trade show area, Gamboa tripped over a rug that was described as "old," "very worn," and "unusually thick." The rug was not laid flat on the floor, causing her to fall and sustain multiple injuries. According to the complaint, these injuries included sprains and pains in various parts of her body such as shoulders, knees, wrists, chest pain along with conditions like anxiety disorder and depression. The complaint states that she required medical interventions including epidural steroid injections and physical therapy.
Gamboa alleges that the defendants were negligent in maintaining safe premises for their guests. She claims they failed to replace or properly secure hazardous items like the rug that caused her fall. Furthermore, she asserts that this was not an isolated incident at this particular hotel or within Marriot hotels generally. Her legal team argues that the defendants breached several duties owed to her as an invited guest by failing to maintain a safe environment and neglecting to warn about existing dangers.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for past and future physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses both incurred and anticipated in future treatments. Additionally, she seeks compensation for loss of wages due to disability from engaging in recreational activities post-accident along with other forms of relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Paula Gamboa are attorneys George W. Healy IV and Albert R. Jordan from Healy & Jordan PLLC based in Gulfport, Mississippi. The case is being presided over by Judge Eldon E. Fallon under Case ID 2:25-cv-00155-EEF-MBN.