This is the property of the Daily Journal Corporation and fully protected by copyright. It is made available only to Daily Journal subscribers for personal or collaborative purposes and may not be distributed, reproduced, modified, stored or transferred without written permission. Please click "Reprint" to order presentation-ready copies to distribute to clients or use in commercial marketing materials or for permission to post on a website. and copyright (showing year of publication) at the bottom.

Personal Injury
Premises Liability
Dangerous Condition

Susan Johnson v. Universal Studios Hollywood LLLP

Published: Apr. 19, 2005 | Result Date: Mar. 21, 2005 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: EC038037 Verdict –  $0

Judge

Dennis L. Shanklin

Court

L.A. Superior Burbank


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Max A. Sauler


Defendant

Paul K. Schrieffer

Kevin M. White


Experts

Plaintiff

Keith A. Miller
(technical)

Defendant

Ned Wolfe M.E.
(technical)

Facts

On Dec. 15, 2002, the plaintiff slipped and fell while descending an exterior staircase at Universal Studios. The plaintiff sued the defendant Universal alleging that Universal was negligent for allowing water to be blown from a fountain onto a staircase next to the fountain. The plaintiff alleged that the water from the fountain made the handrail on the staircase wet and therefore unusable as a safety device. The plaintiff further alleged that had the handrail been usable as a safety device, she would have used it while descending the staircase and had she used the handrail, she would not have fallen.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiff sought $140,000 at mediation; the defense offered $35,000.

Specials in Evidence

$38,000

Damages

The plaintiff sought $375,000 at trial.

Injuries

The plaintiff sustained a fractured ankle. She underwent surgery to repair her ankle and hardware was put in place.

Deliberation

half hour

Poll

11-1 (for defense)

Length

five days


#85560

For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:

Email jeremy@reprintpros.com for prices.
Direct dial: 949-702-5390