L'Auberge du Lac Casino
Wrinkled carpet and an advertising campaign aimed at Southeast Texans are the reasons why a local resident is suing a Louisiana casino.
Jefferie Ann Cartwright filed a personal injury lawsuit against Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. with the Orange County District Court on Sept. 11. She claims the carpet outside Pinnacle's L'auberge Du Lac Hotel and Casino was "unreasonably wrinkled and buckled, which caused her to fall forward, head first onto the cement valet driveway."
Although the incident took place in Cajun country, Cartwright and her attorney claim Orange County has jurisdiction because "Pinnacle advertises extensively in Orange…taking in a very substantial portion of its revenues from (Southeast Texans)," the suit said.
According to the plaintiff's original petition, Cartwright was leaving through the front door of the casino when she tripped over carpet that was "unreasonably wrinkled and buckled."
She claims she injured her skull, neck, back, knee, shoulder and eyes in the fall.
In her suit, Cartwright claims the defendant is negligent for failing to maintain a safe exit area, failing to properly support her while she was walking and for failing to properly supervise and train its employees.
She is suing for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and mental anguish, plus compensatory, actual and consequential damages.
Cartwright is demanding a trial by jury and is represented by attorney Michael Pierce of the Arnold Itkin law firm.
The case has been assigned to the Judge Dennis Powell,163rd Judicial District.
Case No. B070455-c