Judge sues city after courtroom fall

NEW YORK, April 14 (UPI) -- A New York judge is suing the city for $1 million after he slipped and fell on a recently mopped courtroom floor, causing him to have "difficulty walking."

Supreme Court Justice Jack Battaglia claims in his suit that since the Nov. 9, 2007, fall he "has been limited in his ability to flex his knee, has difficulty walking and is required to use a cane," the New York Daily News reported Monday.

Battaglia, who often hears civil cases and makes $136,000 a year, accuses the city of "negligently using a mop bucket and wringer" and "negligently using a mop and soapy water" to create a "dangerous and hazardous trap-like condition."

Courthouse sources said city lawyers have asked Battaglia to recuse himself from all cases involving the city until the matter is resolved.