Premises Liability

Defective Deck
Client vs. Defendant

Type of Action – Premises Liability

Type of Injuries – Fractured left ankle-permanent loss of motion

Court/Case No – Virginia Beach Circuit Court, CL89-2290

Judge or Jury – Jury

Special Damages – $46,000.00 (includes psychiatric bills)

Awarded or Settled – Awarded Amount- $325,000.00

Attorney for Plaintiff – Gregory S. Larsen, Chesapeake

Other Useful Info – Plaintiff was a business invitee at defendant’s rental property where second-story deck collapsed when plaintiff stepped out onto it. Plaintiff’s expert testified that the deck had been in dangerous condition for a period of time prior to its collapse. Plaintiff has several operations culminating in an ankle fusion. No claim for lost wages. Plaintiff lived in Virginia Beach, but the property was in the Outer Banks. The defendant only offered $ 1,000 but the jury returned a verdict for $325,000.

“Premises Liability- Defective Deck.” Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly August 13, 1990