[StBernard] FEMA sued after man falls through floor of trailer

[Westley Annis]

FEMA sued after man falls through floor of trailer 
11/23/2010 7:14 PM By Michelle Massey 
A New Orleans resident is suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) after falling through the floor of his trailer.

Salvadore Battaglia filed suit on Nov. 15 in federal court in New Orleans.

According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred on June 28, 2007 when
Battaglia was walking in his trailer and the floor unexpectedly collapsed
causing Battaglia to fall and sustain serious injuries.

FEMA is accused of failing to properly inspect the trailer for dangerous
conditions, failing to take prompt and adequate corrective measures and
failing to require that it be provided with adequate maintenance and
inspection logs of the trailer. 

FEMA is also accused of failing to take adequate precautions to prevent risk
of injury, exposing Battaglia to an unreasonable risk of harm without
providing adequate protection, failing to undertake an adequate inspection
of the trailer at all relevant times and failing to provide proper
maintenance and proper repair of the trailer.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, mental
pain and anguish, medical expenses, permanent residual disability,
disfigurement and scarring, interest and court costs.

Battaglia is represented by Salvador E. Gutierrez Jr. and Mary Ann Hand of
Gutierrez & Hand in Chalmette. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10-cv-04311