Inadequate Lighting at Entrance

November 1, 2000

LVT Number: 14494

Tenant sued landlord after falling and injuring his ankle on entrance steps to a building. Tenant claimed that there was inadequate lighting at the entrance. After a jury trial, the court ruled for tenant and awarded him $750,000 for future pain and suffering. Landlord appealed and lost. Although there was some evidence presented that tenant was using cocaine at the time of the accident, it was reasonable for the jury to find that landlord was responsible for the injury. However, the court found that the future pain and suffering award was too high and reduced it to $500,000.

Tenant sued landlord after falling and injuring his ankle on entrance steps to a building. Tenant claimed that there was inadequate lighting at the entrance. After a jury trial, the court ruled for tenant and awarded him $750,000 for future pain and suffering. Landlord appealed and lost. Although there was some evidence presented that tenant was using cocaine at the time of the accident, it was reasonable for the jury to find that landlord was responsible for the injury. However, the court found that the future pain and suffering award was too high and reduced it to $500,000.

Lopez v. NYCHA: NYLJ, 10/24/00, p. 26, col. 2 (App. T.1 Dept.; Parness, PJ, Davis, Gangel- Jacob, JJ)

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