$317,000 Settlement - Leg Fracture and 2 Surgeries After Fall Down Exterior Stairway

Attorney Kevin Smith secured a $317,000 settlement for a 61-year-old client who fell down an exterior stairway located at a residential home in New London. 

The client sustained a right leg fracture requiring 2 surgeries. Through his investigation, Attorney Smith secured a 911 recording demonstrating the traumatic nature of the fall and the injuries. 

The client rented the home and the landlord was responsible for repairing the stairway under the lease. Attorney Smith retained an expert witness, who opined that the condition of the stairway violated various provisions of the Connecticut State Building Code. The case involved multiple challenges, e.g., the fact that the client knew of the defective nature of the stairway before the fall and lived at the home for over a year before the fall. Attorney Smith successfully proved that the client previously requested her landlord to repair the stairway and that the blame should not be shifted to the client. 

The case settled after mediation.