Woman sues property manager after porch collapses

A Beaumont woman claims she sustained injuries while visiting her mother after her mother's porch partially collapsed.

Chequita Armstead filed a lawsuit June 23 in Jefferson County District Court against Arthur Herbert, doing business as Yellow Rose Property Management Co.

Armstead claims she was visiting a home her mother rented from Herbert at 1380 Pipkin St. in Beaumont when the incident occurred.

"Plaintiff stumbled when the porch partially collapsed causing her to fall backwards resulting in the injuries and damages made the basis of this suit," the complaint says.

Because of her fall, Armstead experienced physical pain, suffering and mental anguish; lost her earning capacity; suffered physical impairment and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint.

She blames Herbert for causing her fall, saying he should have known the condition on the premises created a risk of harm to visitors, but failed to reduce or eliminate the risk.

In her complaint, Armstead seeks an unspecified judgment, plus pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Tom Oxford of Waldman Smallwood in Beaumont will be representing her.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E187-125.