BEAUMONT – A lack of a second handrail allegedly caused a Hardin County woman to tumble down the stairs at a local restaurant.
Seeking up to $1 million in damages, Penny Ratcliff filed suit against Republic Chicken on April 12 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, Ratcliff was at the restaurant on June 30, 2017 and was injured while coming down the stairs.
Stairs at Republic Chicken
“The first flight of stairs had handrails on each side. The second flight only had one,” the suit states. “This meant plaintiff could not properly support herself as she walked down the stairs.”
The suit accuses Republic Chicken of negligently failing to warn customers.
A “Please watch your step” sign is posted near the stairs at Republic Chicken.
Ratcliff is suing for her past and future pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, and impairment.
Beaumont attorney Cody Rees represents her.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. E-201598