Alison M. Crane and Mark W. Allen of Bledsoe, Diestel, Treppa & Crane LLP, in San Francisco, obtained a defense verdict for their client in San Mateo County Superior Court, the Honorable Clifford V. Cretan presiding.
Plaintiff alleged causes of action for general negligence and premises liability against defendant property owners stemming from an accident that occurred on August 4, 2016 at a multi-unit rental property in Daly City. Plaintiff fell approximately 12 feet from the second story landing on an exterior staircase at the property. Defendants denied liability for Plaintiff’s accident, asserting no unsafe condition existed on the property and Plaintiff’s own actions of swinging a laundry bag out over the railing caused her to be propelled backwards and over the rail.
Plaintiff alleged that she suffered a head injury with associated cognitive deficits as well as physical injuries. Plaintiff alleged she was unable to work and sought economic damages in excess of $2.3 million as well as an unspecified amount in non-economic damages. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours and returned a defense verdict.