Andrew White Wins Defense Verdict in Negligent Construction/Premises Liability Case

TT&H Attorney Andrew White recently won a defense verdict following a bench trial held on April 22, 2022 in the District Court for Harford County. The action involved claims for negligent construction and premises liability. The Plaintiff was a tenant in an apartment building. She alleged that the Defendant landlord created a hazard in a common area of the building when it removed carpeting on an interior staircase and installed rubber treads on the steps. The Plaintiff claimed that the rubber treads were not sufficiently slip resistant and did not include any form of weather stripping. She claimed that she was injured when she slipped and fell on these treads while they were wet. Setting forth claims of negligence, the Plaintiff sought $30,000.00 in damages.

At trial, Andrew presented testimony from the carpet installer, who testified that the treads were slip resistant and were made of high quality rubber. It was further established that the treads are commonly used at apartment complexes. A sample of the tread was admitted into evidence, giving the Judge the opportunity to see and feel the tread at issue. The District Court ultimately found that Plaintiff failed to meet her burden of proving any negligence on the part of the Defendant landlord and judgment was therefore entered in favor of the Defendant.

Questions about this case can be directed to Andrew White at (443) 641-0572 or awhite@tthlaw.com.