RI Woman Sues Hobby Lobby - Says She Fell in Store and Broke Kneecap in Three Places
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Woman Sues Hobby Lobby - Says She Fell in Store and Broke Kneecap in Three Places
The lawsuit, filed in federal court on November 22, states that Sandra Papa, a Warwick resident, was shopping at the arts and crafts store on Bald Hill Road on September 30, 2021, when the incident occurred.
“While making her way through the shopping area of the store, open to the public, Mrs. Papa tripped over a flatbed cart left in the shopping aisle and broke her kneecap in three places,” according to the lawsuit.
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Papa is suing on one count of negligence, and is demanding judgment against Hobby Lobby “in an amount sufficient to compensate her for her serious injuries, grievous pain and suffering, temporary impairment, and incurred medical and other expenses and the cost of the suit.”
Hobby Lobby Response
In its response filed in federal court, Hobby Lobby “admits that the Plaintiff was at the 945 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI premises on or about September 30, 2021.”
Regarding the allegation that Papa tripped over a flatbed cart and broke her knee, Hobby Lobby responded with the following.
“The defendant lacks information or knowledge necessary to admit or deny the allegations pleaded in this paragraph,” according to Hobby Lobby’s response.
Regarding the claim by Papa that the store “negligently failed to maintain the premises,” Hobby Lobby refuted the claim.
“The defendant denies the allegations pleaded in this paragraph,” according to their response.
As for Papa’s request for relief, Hobby Lobby states that “plaintiff's complaint fails to state a cause of action for which relief can be granted” — and that “plaintiff assumed the risk of her injuries.”
Attorney Christopher Storm for Hobby Lobby did not respond to request for comment.
Papa’s attorney Joseph Daigle responded with the following.
“The painful and debilitating injuries suffered by my client are the direct result of Defendant’s failure to maintain an uncluttered entry into its store,” said Daigle. “We are confident that a jury will agree.”