David Resnick & Associates, P.C., a New York City personal injury law firm, announced a $1,300,000 settlement for a 52-year-old Manhattan woman who suffered catastrophic injuries after slipping and falling on water outside an elevator in her apartment building. The settlement was obtained before trial by attorney Philip Monier, who filed the slip-and-fall lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County.
The woman sustained injuries to her right hip, both knees, ankle, and spine, requiring surgery on her hip and ankle. According to Monier, the injuries have limited her ability to perform daily activities such as walking, bending, exercising, and sitting. She is unable to do regular house chores or sit and stand for extended periods.
The building owner, one of the largest landlords in New York City, initially denied negligence, claiming no complaints had been made about the condition and that they lacked notice of the slipping hazard outside the elevator. Monier countered that the building owner allowed the dangerous condition to exist for an unreasonable period without taking action. "Even though the building owner is one of the biggest landlords in the City of New York, they argued that they acted reasonably and were not responsible for the Plaintiff's injuries and damages — even though they allowed the condition to exist for an unreasonable period of time and did nothing to eliminate its presence," Monier stated.
Monier emphasized the significance of the settlement for the client's long-term well-being, noting that while it cannot undo the injuries, it will help her manage the residual disabilities caused by the defendant's negligence. "We believe that while this million-dollar settlement cannot undo the injuries and damage that she suffered, it will assist my client in living with the residual disabilities caused as a result of the defendant's negligence for the rest of her life," he said.
This case highlights the responsibility of property owners to maintain safe conditions in common areas such as elevator lobbies. The settlement serves as a reminder that landlords can be held accountable for hazards that go unaddressed, even if no prior complaints were made. For more information on slip-and-fall claims, visit David Resnick & Associates, P.C.
