Louisiana racetrack sued after woman trips in parking lot

An Orange County woman has filed a lawsuit against a Louisiana racetrack and casino after she stepped in a hole in the parking lot and fell.

Cheryl Ann Knight filed suit against Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel on June 8, 2011 in Orange County District Court. The defendant removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division on July 14.

The accident occurred on May 8, 2010 as Knight was leaving the racetrack and casino, and fell in a hole in the surface of the parking lot. She states she inspected the parking lot after her fall and discovered that the hole was created because a handrail had been removed. According to the lawsuit, there was also an undetected gap where the concrete and pavement meet.

Knight argues that the defendant should have known that the condition on its premises created an unreasonable risk of harm to invitees.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain, mental pain and anguish, disfigurement, physical incapacity and impairment, interest and court costs.

Knight is represented by Gordon D. Friesz of McPherson, Hughes, Bradley, Wimberley, Steele & Chatelain in Port Arthur. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:11-cv-00334