Burton v. Housing Authority of New Orleans, Inc.

ARMSTRONG, Judge.

Plaintiff Marcel Burton was bitten by a rat while visiting in a housing project apartment owned by defendant Housing Authority of New Orleans (“HANO”) and occupied by third party defendant Carolyn Howard and her children. Burton sued HANO for negligence pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315 and for strict liability pursuant to Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2317 and 2322. HANO denied liability, pleaded comparative fault of Burton and made a third party demand against Ms. Howard for contribution or indemnity. Following a bench trial, the trial court found HANO not hable…