`A
`
`Section i6
`.
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 1 of 12
`
`. FI LE D
`2021 MAY 07 P 12M7
`
`STATE OF LOUISIANA.
`
`NO.
`
`DIVISION:
`TÖlŸIAS REY, ]ÿIËI5ISMREY{ROBÈRT DÉNNY VIÈTORIA
`EMMERLINGgNICOLE WILLIAMSON AND ISÃBEL REYNOLDS
`
`VERSUS
`
`LCMC HEALTH CARE PARTNERS, LLC, LOUISIANA CHILDREN'S
`MEDICAL CENTER, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, and LCMC HEALTH
`HOLDINGS, INC.
`
`FILED:
`
`DEPUTY CLERIC
`
`PETITION FOR CLAŠS ACTIÓNMWSUIT RELATÉD TO INJUNCTÍVE
`RELIERIIABILITYAND DAMAGES
`
`ÑOW INTÖ CÖUR(through undersigned counsel,. comes PlaiinitTs, who
`
`l r ng this lawsuit,
`
`individually and/or as representatives of all
`
`those similarly
`
`situatéd, and répresent as fóllöWs
`
`PARTIES
`
`1.
`
`Nàmed as Plsintiffs and/oFPrópósed1Repfeseniativés of the Plàintiff Glass
`
`("Petitioners¶ are:
`
`Melisa Rey; a person of the full age of niajority and a domicil d in the Parish
`
`of Orleans TöñíasRey, a person of the full age ofmajority and dömic iled in Orleariš
`
`Parish; Robert Denny, a person of the full age of majority and domiciled in Orleans
`
`Pafisli;Wietoria E nméfling a efsoinof the full a ê öf majòrity and dömiciléd in
`
`Öhleans Pafish; Nicole Williamson, a person of the full age of majority and
`
`domiciled in the Parish of Orleans and, Isabel Reynolds, person of the föll age of
`
`niajðrity and döinièilèd in thé Pari h öf Orleads
`
`2.
`
`E-Filed
`
`VERIFIED
`Tracy Lafonta
`2021 MAY 07 P 01:16
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 2 of 12
`
`. FI LE D
`2021 MAY 07 P 12M7
`CML
`
`hildren's Hospital
`
`a non-profit corporation domiciled in the
`
`Orleans Louisiana Child en's Medical Center a non-profit corporatjon, om iled
`
`inïthë Parish of Orleans; d/b/s LCMC HéaltlîÃCMC HèaltlüHoldinss, Inë a nõn-
`
`Profit corporafion domieïled in the 13afish of Orleans S ate ofi.ouildana and LCMC;
`
`Health Care Partners, ELC;.a nön¢rofit corpöration domiciled in the Pafish of
`
`Orleans, State of Louisiana all reférred to as "ECMC Health" afe liable to your
`
`I)etitioners jö ntly and severally In a true and $i11 sum in excess of the jurisÒÏetÍonaj
`
`aniöuht ñëesssarÿ to obtairka jurÿ trial plus jñdicial interèst and cóst fröñi tlië daté
`
`ofjudicial demand until paid, for the following reasons, to wit
`
`2 a.
`
`LGMC Health is théowñer and/orliad cafey cuštòdy and ëontrol óf200 Hëárÿ
`
`Clay Avenue, which includes the foot print of the Louisiana Children%Medical
`
`Center, all surrounding parking areas, all aspects of the helicopter, heliport, fuel
`
`tankst pilöt station ðf any otheffeaturé ör strüetuéé sùppõrtins tlié heliëoptef ánd the
`
`heliport
`
`FACTUAL BACKGROUND
`
`3.
`
`Petitioners are residents, donticiliaries, and renters who, live in an area
`
`bóunded by the Mississijspi River tô thê Söùth, both hides Of Camp Strééf to the
`
`North; Valmont Sïreet
`
`to the East; and Exposition Boulévard to lie West.
`
`(collectively "Areas of Concern")
`
`4.
`
`Thefreas.of
`
`oneern are located within the fligl path f an MBB BIÈ117
`
`C-2 Seéial Numlher $228, manufactured thy Eurocopter DeutseÍíland GmbH,
`
`héli ópfer ównéd b) ECMC2Healtl£à d óperated: byMadian Anibùlañéé Servieëi
`
`Íne.
`
`(
`
`hildren s I elihopÉer"), and o her 1 elicopters that air lif
`
`indiÿiduäls to
`
`LCMG Health.
`
`E-Filed
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`
`Section 16
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 3 of 12
`
`. FI LE D
`2021 MAY 07 P 1247
`CML
`
`Prior to January 1,QO20, LCMC Healtlnoperated a Í1eliport on its premises
`
`inimediately adjadent tö the3rsilroad fracksopeiated by N O. PublieïBelt Railéoad
`
`and Imrnediately adjacent to tlie exfension of Leake Avenue owned by the Úíty of
`
`New Orleans. Tlie location of thé heliport adjäeent tö the raikoad trãeks did not
`
`eëeafe an unreasollable fisk of harni nor did itéeate a eömpeäsable nuisance
`
`6
`
`LGMC Health decided to add a nëùheliport loestiön ön its canipus and it
`
`constructed he new facility at its current and oNénding location in violation of the
`
`lawcwÏthout permission, without proper permijting, and without the liivolvement or
`
`inpùt óf úëighboring residénts and próperty öwáef , adequiréd bylaw to Wit.
`
`7
`
`On August 16, 201 , Eskew, Dumez and Ripple breated an Institutional
`
`Masíèi Plan ("IMP") for ECMOHeälth IFidehtifiéd a list ófpótential uses permittéd
`
`under the pomprehensive Zoning Ordinance s ("GZO"). Per the IMP, "Uses
`
`highlishte iitÿellow arê cùrrent/potential ùses of the LCMC Health öaïnpus."
`
`Alïhough the IÑIP idesfified thfee IndustÉial uses allowed undei the CZO! (1)
`
`helistop (2) heliport and (3) research and development, only "heliport" was
`
`hishlightëd i pêlloW. The final approvál of thé plaá shôwèd aáinglé hélipad in the
`
`rear at i orjginal location No perm t was óbtained.
`
`Octóbesöf 201ULCMC Heâlth filéd an applieätión with the Citý of Nés
`
`Orleans jo egnstruct a fourftory eashin-place eenfral fower and renovatiyn
`
`existing spaces There was no referencé to adding a new héliport to the töp of the
`
`foWet öfinfill1building Thé abpliestión fófa éfmit Was noQränted t thatlinië.
`
`E-Filed
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`A
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 4 of 12
`
`. FI LE D
`2021 MAV 07 P 12M7
`CML
`
`°
`"®ª"
`°
`°
`°
`Section
`unbbknownst to the City of New Orleans or its Safety and Permits office frongD17
`
`fö 2019 ECMC Health actually builtinëw hélipört on tejíof its foùë-störy fower
`
`despite haVing no pernlit.
`
`10.
`
`On Decàilbér 4 2019ta pefrnit application was filed forihe fii·st time for a
`
`"new helipad on Level 6 of Irifill Tower and 4 00 SF buildout pf a transport space
`
`ôiï Levél 5 öf Infill Tòùer." The pérmit was applied for and the permit wâs issüed
`
`after the construction wasfinished. In this application I C
`
`Health claspfied the
`
`facility as a heliport which requires a condiiÎondysgpermit and rigorous Federal
`
`State; and City regülatöry requirerneñts inclùdin£the pafticipatión and inpùtsf
`
`neiglibors. The plans and specifications for the tower and heliportesl3owed diat it
`
`was designed a a "structurë used foi· the landing and take-off of lielicopters and
`
`havirig érviëe faciliíies fofsùèh aiferafEoFj5ròvidingfòriénnaúër basiiíg of šùch
`
`aircra " CZO, Article
`
`6. The plans an specificaiions cape for the4following;
`
`Fuel water separators (2)
`
`2 Fuel containment larik
`
`3 Fuel pipe;
`
`4 Jet fuel liñë;
`
`5. Foam storage tanks (2);
`
`6. Fuel dispénser cabinet;
`
`7. Fire supprèssion sysiërnBand
`
`8. Emergency fuel shut off
`
`The Tifth Floör Gravity Plan Zone C1" shows thë following additional sërvice
`
`fábilitiés for the heliEópter
`
`1.
`
`2
`
`I ilot
`
`le epingzoom;
`
`Flight planning office
`
`E-Filed
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 5 of 12
`
`. FI LE D
`2021 MAY 07 P 1247
`CML
`
`Section 6 Secen#Ms eeping won
`
`4
`
`5.
`
`7.
`
`8
`
`9.
`
`Bathroom with shower;
`
`Seëónd öffiëe
`
`Transport Center;
`
`Support staff roodi;
`
`Data UPS;
`
`Essential gear roona;
`
`10. Meéhaniëal ròörn.
`
`11a
`
`On May 18 2p2Ò, ÜÒIk1C Nealth began using the new heliport, wliich locat on
`
`rëquifes helicópter¢flights directly ové yoûr petitiônèr's hönies as well a tskeoffs
`
`and)andings immediately adjacent to the neighborhood. Tlie flights, takeofTs and
`
`landÏngsyceur randomly at all hours ofÀhe day and night an emÍt deafenÍng sounds
`
`and vibrations siähificanféiióùshhéaùsé phýsical únd inental discôíáforï 15rópèrtý
`
`damagegand annpyance 14your PeÜngners, and any person of ordinary sensibdities
`
`thereby éoñstituting a nuisañee. ThEflishts, takêoffs and landings are.contiñuiñg.
`
`12c
`
`The pity ofNew Orleans through is safety and permit office were completely
`
`úñawarë the new hélipòrt lóôatiòn had bëen cónstruëted añd that flightsNëfê
`
`continuously operating frony the unpermitted heliport. In June of 020, emails
`
`amongst staff at the Safety and Permjts.Office state
`
`•
`
`•
`
`"Can yod jsleasèüke a look a his location pénonally? It áppears they have
`startèd buildinghnoving the helipad and have nó peémit!
`If this is öbrreet;
`please issue SWO n inspectiòn This grpup needs to knowyhat the result is
`ASAP "
`
`"Yes wë really neëd tö repórt back tâthe coühcil person I'm où a dall with
`these pegple right now and the next meeting ihtomorrowgt 5pnt Note
`GOOGIR SATELLITE IMAGERY SHOWS A HELIPAD 4N A
`DIFFERENT LOCATION THAN THE DRAWINGS FOR THE PERMIT
`APPLICATION. Either way it is beyond SWCQit is comple and in use
`
`E-Filed
`
`s
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`A
`
`Sect n
`
`•
`
`•
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 6 of 12
`
`FILED
`2021 MAV 07 P 12M7
`CML
`eC
`"Helipadis in place, some sort of prefab attached to structure. T
`fhcorporated idio the pérmit foi the máin structúre which is still unpermitted
`due to pïoperty managefnênt situation and the fuel storagê tahks "
`
`havejo a k is there ageason that diis was built and n9t pennitted properly "
`
`13:
`
`Instead of stopping the flights for its unperniitted heliport to apply for proper
`
`1½rniittingshiéh woüld liecessitafé.ensaginØith thé deiÉhbórs in thê
`
`rðëéss!
`
`I CfVICI ealth instifuted a misInformatÏon campáign directed a regulatorps well as
`
`täthe néighborhoôd
`
`14c
`
`LCMC Health misled regulators into elieving that its helipad.located pn top
`
`of the fôweWeould ôt be used
`
`s peññadeñt base (helijïort), a fåetòf ùsëd to
`
`detemiine the character fthe use. Specifically, ECM C Health utilized a permissible
`
`permit, which generally permitted but did not oblige them to use the Lakefront space;
`
`ò distract from the tiïíe ihquiry of whether tli hélipôít
`
`itsëlf, éould sërvë äs a
`
`Permanent base from wliich a helicopter can land and takeoff. The helicopter
`
`infrequently, if ever, used Lakefront Airport priör to the regulatory challenge The
`
`hélicópter hasé of operatións remáins éthe hospitàledolhé facilities ássóëiatea
`
`with a heliport
`
`15.
`
`I GMC Health nïisled neiglibors ahd thdùbliö after the lielicogerbgan
`
`9Peratingpn May 18dD20 DecilŠel readings taken at that time registered in the 90
`
`104 dB&ange According tö thë.CDC, these decibel réadings are eqùivälénf tô án
`
`approaching subway train or a footivall game.
`
`16
`
`MTowh1Eall ineetin¼s With nëiglíbóis, DefendanELCMC Health adnïitfed
`
`thaÜliere were no saiÈty išsues witli tl e olÉl ocation; ratlier, fhey sia ed that il e
`
`E-Filed
`
`6
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 7 of 12
`
`FILED
`2021 MAV 07 P 12M7
`CML
`TWÈ
`°
`°
`°
`Sectio
`re cently argued because t would be more efTective for patient care. LCM C Health
`
`alsö inisreprésélûed thaf áll pkopet perntit wefe obtainëd for
`
`tlie helipad
`
`construction Only upon learning of the extraordinary discomfortpxperienced by
`
`tlie néighborhoöd calised by overhead helicoptér flights, takeoffs ùnd hmdings, did
`
`I CMC Healtli's lifesaving narrative began to evolve
`
`17..
`
`LGMC Hêalth fóllowed the Town Hall méetings With á nes éânïpaign to
`
`clas(ify the heliport as a helistop, claiming for the fi
`
`time iliat it was necessary to
`
`save the lites of ill clilldren
`
`18.
`
`On July 13, 20Ž0, Counsel for LCMCHealth sent antemail to the City ofNew
`
`Órleans S afety and Permits Department ("S & P") asking S &Ý to veéify the already
`
`éônstruéfed strüstùre bé dééinëd á liélistoji S & P séiít án éniail tolzóhínj
`
`administrator and
`
`chiefpuilding offlöial asking "[C]an y'all make sure the new
`
`pennit for th helistop at Childrën's gets back%CPC forupdated approval tethe
`
`ppy
`
`LGMC Health tells S&P that the líeliéópter i pênúúnêntlýbasèd átLakefront
`
`Airport and that because¿filme sensitive critical care air transport activity, Acadian
`
`frequently positions a helicopter at thefhelistop." Without any backu]Pniaterial,
`
`FANréëords fliâht lógš;jte., S & P i sués a zônitig vërifiëatiön lederféonelùdinj
`
`la le helicopter's ime base i a helistop
`
`20.
`
`I CMC Hèaltli thfóush its officérs; genfs and pi-exiës; bešan®níarketitis
`
`campaign to vyifyayour Petitíòners y suggesting that they did not care of about
`
`saving babies.
`
`E-Filed
`
`7
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 8 of 12
`
`FILED
`2021 MAV 07 P 12M7
`CML
`
`Section 16
`On information and belief the true motivafion for the relocation pfthe helipad
`
`was for flie financialjsin of Dëfendant
`
`CLASS ACTION
`
`22
`
`etitioners propose bring)ng this matter as ajlass achonggainst LCMÒ
`
`Health on the issûeif Injudétive Reliëf liability and daniagéL
`
`23
`
`Petitioners propose to proceed on behalf of the fôllowing class of individuals
`
`Allyersons%ho aräfëšidents doiniciliaries; tenánts aíïd/or are lôcated
`in Orleans Parish who have suffered and continue tú sufTer damages
`including property damage and depreciation pf dieir homes asyell as
`15érsonal injury a a ésùk20fthe relocàtiön Of the LCM C Health heliporí
`and who reside in an4area bounded by the Mississippi Rivéëto the
`Šouth both ides oECarnp Stree to tlle Norìh; Valmonf Štreet 10 the
`East; nd:Ei óšitioïrBouleVard ö flié Wést
`
`24
`
`Petitioners and all those similarly situated are entitled to have2this caùse of
`
`aciion inaistained as a class action jursuañí io Ear CEPc arE 591 et seg foEthe
`
`following reasong
`
`(a)Requiring thiinstitutioù of sepai ate lawsuits would pose a seriöns risléof
`incottsistent adjudications and earlier s parate determinations with a
`prejudicial effect onyubsequent litigants
`
`(b)Prosecution of separate actions woüld pose a serioüs threat of
`substantially impeding thec ability of class members( to protect their
`interest;
`
`e Any resi tance of I ability by the défendants would be applicable o all
`claims presented by all niembers of the clasši
`
`(d) here are comrnon Issues oflaw aml fact that predomiitate over hose
`issues that mightv ertain to individual cases;
`
`(e) The class action isgsuperior procedural vehicle for thefair and efficient
`adjùdication öf this controversý, to wit:
`
`E-Filed
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`A
`
`Section i
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 9 of 12
`
`. FI LE D
`2021 MAY 07 P 12M7
`CML
`
`)Šµ h a method of proceeding would allow he
`rightful claims in one proceedin
`
`ourt to process all
`
`)Íths desirable to concentrate all litigation in one forum; and
`
`considéring theypportunilfto affórd
`(4)Cláss:actiòn is mainagéabl
`reasonable notice of significant phases pf the litigation to class
`mémbersänd)permit distribution of recovery
`
`INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
`
`25.
`
`The change of the location of the LÓh/IC Health heliport lìas apd contiñues to
`
`deprive your Petitioners of the enjoyment of their property
`
`The noise level and
`
`vibrationnéaùsed by the re-loéstiòn of thë heliportshave and cõntinue tò causé
`
`damages to and interfere substantially pith your Petiëioner) enjoyment of their
`
`property
`
`2&
`
`our Petitjoners seek a mandátory injïmetibn requirmg LCMy Healtli jo
`
`rêlocate its heliport to atf arëa which ill notùontinue tö cause dañíages and iñterferê
`
`substantiálly with yoùr Pentioner's enjoyment of their property
`
`27..
`
`Yòùr Petitiöners in thé akernative are seekiùg a mandato®injúnótiön
`
`requiring Defendants to abate the noise and vibrations so tliat it does not continue to
`
`damagé and interfereKsubstantiallý with .your Petitioner's enjopment of their
`
`$roisertýc
`
`LIABILITY AND DAMAGES
`
`28.
`
`Púrsùadt tolac C.C;srtsc667-6694CMC2Héalth has sn affinúátivé düty ïìot
`
`to use its property in a manner that unreasonalŠly deprives tl eir neijghbors o
`
`rêásoñablë énjoyñiént of thêir neighbóring property and/or höiñê. Thë noiss hád
`
`E-Filed
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 10 of 12
`
`. FI LE D
`2021 MAY 07 P 1247
`CML
`
`Sectio
`
`n emanat ng fæn1 61e oqa on o he he
`
`ad an usegthe hel
`
`caused physical discomfort, physical and mental njury, property damage and
`
`annoyanéë thereby èónstitutins aznuisance L CMC Héaltli has éare èùstódy alid
`
`control of the helipad and knew or; in the exercise of reasonable care should have
`
`knowh that thé use and location of its helicopteriand heliport would and continùès
`
`fo caùsé damage to yòúrjetitionérs in violation of La. C C arts 667-669c LCMC
`
`Health knew or shoùld have known that thepew heliport location would create art
`
`uni·êasonable fisk öf hann to ýoùr pétitiöners i viòlätiön of La. C.C; arts 2315 and
`
`2317.
`
`29
`
`Ás a diréct and róximatereause öf th aötions and ihaëtiòns ófLCMC Hëalth
`
`Petitioners sustained damages tha include but are not limited to, the following
`
`(1)Hearing loss;
`
`(2)Sl eëp distúrbarice
`
`(Û MentaÚleayh ssues;
`
`(4)Dimidutión of
`
`ropettý valüe
`
`(5jPropéfty damage
`
`(6)Loss of use of their property;
`
`(7)Cost to têmediaté théir prõpertý;
`
`(8)Physical and mental suffering;
`
`(9)Inconvenience;
`
`(10) Pãstgprésent ánd futùré niëdiëalixpensës; atíd
`
`(11)
`
`fast present and future physical3nd mental pain and suffering.
`
`WHEREFORE Petitioners and tlìose similarly situated pray that this matter
`
`bé öfdéfedMpfòeëë& ás a éléss actiön areaftèElešâl déläy and due proceédinâs
`
`ha4 there be judgment rendéred ih favor of your Petitioners3nd thosepimilarly
`
`situated for it.yermanent injünctive reliëf; and damasèš and against Children's
`
`E-Filed
`
`10
`
`
`
`2021-03912
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 11 of 12
`
`FILED
`2021 MAY 07 P 12f47
`CMI.
`1, Louisiana Children?s Mediòal Center LCMOHealth Care PartMhŸ€OURT
`
`and LCMG Health HoldingsJnc Héalth are liable to your Petitioners jointly and
`
`sevërälly in a true and full smn iñ excess of thé jurisdictional aniount itecessary to
`
`obtain a jury trial pIns judicial interest and cost from thefate oÚndicial demand
`
`until pâid.
`
`RespeátfùIly subtriifted
`
`TIIE LAw OFFICE OF CIIRISTOPIIER B RUNO
`
`ChiistopherBruno Bar No. 18818
`807 Höwärd Ave
`New Orléans LA 70113
`Telephohët(504) 581-8222
`Direct dial (504) 606-8093
`Facsimi e:3504) 814-7933
`Email: chris@cjbranolmácom
`
`and
`
`BRUÑO & BRUNO
`
`Joseph M Bruno, Bar No. 3604
`855 Baronne St
`ÑehÖÉIeans A 7Úl13
`Telephone: (504) 525-1335
`Fäcsimiley504) 561 6775
`Email: jbruno@bEùnobrúnolan.com
`
`arïd
`
`IÜEFER & IÜËFER
`
`E-Filed
`
`11
`
`
`
`Case 2:21-cv-01188 Document 1-1 Filed 06/18/21 Page 12 of 12
`
`FILED
`2021 MAY 07 P 12247
`CMi_
`
`2021-03912
`A
`
`BCdOn
`
`6
`
`Megán C. Kiefèr;¾ar No. 32882
`2310 Métâirie Road
`Métairie LA 70001
`Telephone- (504) 828-3313
`Facsimile (504) 828-0024
`Emiil megan@kieferlaw.com
`
`Attorneysfor Pfahntiffs
`
`PLEASE SERVE:
`
`LCMC.Health Hohlings, Inc.
`Through its agent for service of process;
`Jody B. Martin
`200 Henrý Clay Avenue
`Néw Orleans, La 70118
`
`LGMC Heälthcafe Paffnérs, L.L.C.
`Through its agent for service of process
`Jody B. Martin
`200 Heliry Clay Avenue
`New Orléans, La 70118
`
`Cliildren's Hospifal
`Throngla its agents
`Krystle Duplessis
`200 Heliry Clay Avenue
`New Qrleans, LA 70118
`
`Là Children's Médical Ceitier
`Thróúgh its agent for service of process
`Jody B. Martin
`200 Henry ClayAvenue
`New Orleans, L a 70118
`
`E-Filed
`
`12
`
`