Facts

Thomas Martin, 64, filed a lawsuit against Jewish Vocational Service, a non-profit organization that provides job placement and testing services, in relation to a fall that occurred on the premises.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Martin contended that while in defendant's office, he leaned his back to rest against the back of the chair he was sitting on and it collapsed. Plaintiff argued that the chairs had a manufacturers' labels on them indicating the chairs should be inspected every 3-6 months and the mechanic parts be tightened to avoid serious injury. Plaintiff contended that defendant did not inspect or maintain the chairs, which created a dangerous condition and alleged a claim for negligence.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant disputed liability. Defendants contended that plaintiff did not give notice before or after his fall that there was a dangerous condition. Defendants claimed it inspected and cleaned the chairs daily. Defendants argued that it had not received complaints about the chairs before or after the alleged incident. Defendants also argued that plaintiff got up and continued his testing for five more hours.

Result

The court found in favor of Martin and awarded him $456,000 for defendant's negligence, which included $120,000 in past medical cost, $120,000 in future medical cost, $50,000 in past pain and suffering, and $166,000 in future pain and suffering.