Mr. Brennan and Ms. Theard obtained a summary judgment dismissing claims in excess of $600,000 against multi-million dollar architectural firm Broadmoor, LLC, arising out of the death of an 85-year-old patron. The patron lost his balance while stepping onto a third floor escalator at a Shreveport, Louisiana, casino, and fell down the escalator. As a result of his injuries, he was taken to a hospital where he died five days later. The man’s three children filed suit against the casino, the escalator manufacturer and the contractor, alleging negligence. The casino subsequently filed a third-party demand against the architecture firm demanding defense and indemnity for errors or omissions in the design of the escalators. Mr. Brennan and Ms. Theard filed for summary judgment on the basis that the casino failed to produce any evidence and/or expert testimony to support their claim that the defendant deviated from its standard of care in performing its services on the project. The Caddo Parish Court agreed, and dismissed the casino’s claims against Broadmoor.
Billie Lorain Barker v. Schindler, May 14, 2007.