Family death postpones third trial against Jefferson County this year

A death in the family has put on hold what would have been the third civil trial against Jefferson County this year. 

As previously reported, Noryour Akins filed a slip and fall suit against the county on Sept. 27, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court, alleging there were no signs warning that the floor had been recently mopped.

The case was slated to go to trial Monday, June 24. However, the trial date was continued due to a death in the family, according to a courthouse official.

According to the lawsuit, Akins was at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on Highway 69 on March 16, 2010. The suit does not clarify whether or not she was an inmate, county employee or visiting citizen.

“Akins exited the officers’ dining room and entered the hallway that had just been mopped by employees of the county or inmates,” the suit states. “The floor was still wet and there were no signs to warn her of this dangerous condition. She fell and suffered injuries to her back, lower extremities, head and right shoulder.”

Akins is suing for more than $100,000 for her alleged medical expenses, mental anguish, impairment and lost wages.

In March, the county was hit with a $1 million verdict for discriminating against a former employee. Last week, a jury awarded %400,000 to a former county employee who claimed she was subjected to discrimination and retaliation while working for a Justice of the Peace.

Beaumont attorney Marc Henry represents Akins.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. E188-437