Facts

Plaintiff Luz Castaneda, 48, exited her apartment to take out the trash, which required her to go down a flight of stairs. Plaintiff tripped and fell.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that a light on the stairwell was burned out and had advised the building manager. As she went down the stairs, plaintiff failed to turn on the light she controlled for the staircase, which was working.

Plaintiff claimed defendant failed to properly maintain the lighting creating an unsafe condition.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant claimed that plaintiff contributed to the accident by not turning on her porch light, despite knowing the automatic light was burned out.

Specials in Evidence

$50,000

Injuries

Plaintiff suffered ankle fracture, requiring two surgeries to repair.

Result

The case settled for $395,000 at mediation.

Other Information

MEDIATOR: Peter Searle