Euless, Texas – A Tarrant County jury recently ruled in favor of Sonji Patmon, a resident of the Village on Post Oak Apartments, awarding her over $20 million in damages for injuries sustained from a fall in 2011 that was allegedly caused by poorly maintained staircases at her housing complex.
Patmon’s ordeal began on March 16, 2011, as she descended the stairs from her apartment to the parking lot. During her walk, the staircase reportedly began to move and bounce unexpectedly, leading to her fall and subsequent injuries. Patmon’s legal team argued that this hazardous condition was due to negligence on part of the apartment management in maintaining and repairing the steps.
While the management contested Patmon’s claims, asserting that she was accountable for the mishap and suggesting her injuries were pre-existing, the jury sided with the plaintiff. The substantial $20.15 million verdict reflects compensation for Patmon’s physical and mental agony, impairment, disfigurement, and accumulated medical costs.
The defense provided by the apartment complex’s legal representation centered on questioning the validity of Patmon’s injuries and her account of the incident. However, these arguments were not sufficient to sway the jury’s unanimous decision in favor of the plaintiff.
Legal experts note that this case highlights the crucial responsibilities of property managers and owners to ensure the safety of their facilities. Such precedent serves as a stern warning against negligence, particularly in the maintenance of frequently used structures like staircases which pose significant safety risks if not kept in proper condition.
The specific details of Patmon’s injuries have not been openly detailed, leaving the exact nature of her condition somewhat unclear. Yet, the substantial compensation awarded suggests severe and possibly long-term afflictions resulting from the fall.
This decision comes at a time when discussions about tenant safety and landlord responsibilities have intensified, signaling that property management might face more severe consequences if negligence leads to resident injuries.
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