Facts

On Dec. 21, 2010, plaintiff Jane Doe, 51, was leaving defendant's office. It was a rainy and windy day. Due to the rain and winds, the leaves, flower petals and dirt (which created mud) from the plants had blown onto the steps. As plaintiff walked down the steps, she fell down on the steps.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contended that defendant property owner owned, operated, controlled and managed the building where the incident occurred. Plaintiff claimed that defendants created a slipping hazard and failed to eliminate that hazardous condition.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendants disputed liability and that nature and extent of plaintiff's injuries. Defendants claimed there was no debris on the steps.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff demanded $675,000 ($75,000 for loss of consortium claim).

Specials in Evidence

$90,000 $53,000

Injuries

Plaintiff sustained injuries to her elbow, pelvis, left hip and lower back, requiring surgical intervention to her elbow and a series of epidural injections to her lower back.

Result

The case settled for $222,832.

Other Information

MEDIATOR: Janet Rubin Fields, Esq.