TT&H Attorney Shannon Harkins Wins Defense Verdict in Philadelphia County Premises Liability Case

TT&H Attorney Shannon Harkins recently won a defense verdict following a three-day jury trial in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.  The case involved a fall on a staircase at a daycare facility.  Plaintiff alleged that the daycare operator was negligent because the interior staircase at the facility was in a dangerous condition.

At trial, Shannon argued that the Plaintiff failed to present evidence establishing any dangerous condition of the staircase.  The defense also focused on the absence of notice of any alleged dangerous condition, since the daycare facility was inspected annually by the Department of Human Services and was never cited for any hazards with the stairs.  Evidence of a lack of prior falls on the stairs, and of Plaintiff’s familiarity with the stairs, was also presented to the jury.  Shannon also offered the only expert witness on liability, who testified that Plaintiff’s fall was caused by her inattentiveness and not any dangerous condition of the stairs.  At the conclusion of the trial, the jury agreed with Shannon and found that the Defendant daycare facility was not negligent.

Questions about this case can be directed to Shannon Harkins at (717) 237-7147 or sharkins@tthlaw.com.