Facts

On July 7, 2011, Scott Clawson was walking up the steps to his rental property. When he turned to go back down, his foot missed one of the steps and he fell. Clawson then sued the property's owners, Jeffrey Halloran and Diane Hallorwan. Clawson also sued the architects and builders for the project.

Before Clawson's lawsuit, he was also engaged in a suit with the Hallorans over rent and property improvements. The two matters were joined, but the trial court later decided that the matters were not related and separated them again.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Clawson argued that the defendants had not properly maintained and repaired the stairway. Clawson claimed that the Hallorans had previously tried to improve the property through some reconstruction. The building did not meet current housing codes, and the Hallorans had tried to fix that. However, when revising the area leading up to the front door, they did not install a handrail, as was required by the housing codes for that type of riser.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The Hallorans claimed that Clawson was responsible for his own accident, because he knew the state of the property and the steps.

Damages

Clawson requested $13,465 in medical costs and $100,000 in lost income.

Injuries

Clawson fractured his left ankle and required an open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle.

Result

The parties settled for $240,000.