Sylvia Richard v. Cameron Parish School District
(May 2014)
Lance B. Williams obtained summary judgment on behalf of the Cameron Parish School Board and Republic Insurance Company. Plaintiff alleged a premises defect in the Grand Lake School Gymnasium. Ms. Richard tripped and fell while working in the concession stand, causing serious injuries to her wrists, shoulders and head. She underwent carpal tunnel releases in both wrists and sought ongoing medical treatment for cervical and neurological injuries. Mr. Williams presented evidence that the condition which allegedly caused plaintiff’s accident was not under the control of the school board, but instead was controlled by an independent organization which ran the concession area. Further, the court concluded that the condition was open and obvious to plaintiff and other workers in the concession stand. Accordingly, all claims were dismissed.