Facts

On June 22, 2019, plaintiff Angie Vasquez Cortes, age 6, visited the property at 2328 3/4 Johnson Street owned and maintained by defendant Dragon ABC LLC. Plaintiff was a guest at a children's birthday party being held in the property's courtyard. Defendant gave permission to the tenant for the birthday party and defendant's agent visited the property at the time of the birthday party. At the end of the night, as plaintiff was walking through the courtyard her dress caught fire when it came into contact with sterno candles that were placed on the floor.

Defendant filed a motion for summary judgment which was denied. The case settled during jury selection.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff alleged defendant, who attended the party, had actual or constructive knowledge of the danger the sterno candles posed to the party attendees, which included children.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant argued it did not have a duty to Plaintiff and the incident was not foreseeable. Defendant further argued that only the tenant was liable for the incident and subsequent injuries.

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered second and third degree skin partial thickness burns to 9% of her body.

Result

The case settled for $1,225,000.