Man falls descending stairs: Narrow treads on staircase: Knee injuries: Settlement: Postverdict settlement

Balls v. Hudson Valley Embroidery, Inc., N.Y., Rockland County Sup. Ct., No. 3629/98, Jan. 18, 2002.

Balla, 20, fell while descending a staircase. He sustained a ligament injury to his left knee, requiring several surgeries, and an aggravation of a preexisting condition in his right knee. A student, his medical expenses totaled $30,000.

Balla sued the lessor and the owner of the premises, alleging negligence in maintaining a staircase with treads that were too narrow, an improperly located handrail, and no barrier on the right side, in violation of industry standards.

Plaintiff and the lessor settled for $90,000 before the jury rendered a verdict. The jury found the premises owner liable. Plaintiff and the owner then settled for $260,000.

Plaintiff's expert was Fred Mittermeier, engineering, Pomona, N.Y. Defendants' experts were Andrew Yarmus, engineering, New City, N.Y., and William Cronacher, engineering, Rockville Centre, N.Y.

Plaintiff's Counsel

*Barry Kantrowitz, Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.

Copyright Association of Trial Lawyers of America Feb 2003
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