Jury Clears Defendants in Connecticut Slip-and-Fall Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
Donald Stearns, a resident of Branford, Connecticut, owned a condominium unit at The Greens complex on Peddlers Drive. On the evening of January 18, 2020, snow covered the common parking lot. Stearns walked across it without incident to a grassy area to let his dog relieve itself. Minutes later, a snow plough passed and cleared the lot but left no sand, salt, or other anti-slip material.
When Stearns stepped back onto the lot with his dog, he slipped on what he claimed was a slick, icy surface and fell. He alleged that the fall caused severe spinal and rib injuries, leading to long-term pain, loss of mobility, and emotional distress.
Cause that led to the legal dispute
Stearns claimed the snow ploughing had created a hazardous condition by exposing a slippery surface without treating it. He accused the condominium association, its property manager, and the snow removal contractor of failing to make the area safe or to warn residents.
Injury
Stearns’s injuries included multiple thoracic spine fractures, disruption of spinal ligaments, rib pain, buttock pain, nerve-related risks, chronic back pain requiring a TSLO brace for six months, and depression. He also reported sleep disturbances, breathing pain, and significant limitations on daily activities.
Damages
Stearns sought compensation for medical expenses, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, lost wages, and diminished quality of life. He claimed some injuries were permanent and would require ongoing treatment.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Donald Stearns
· Counsel for Plaintiff(s): AnnMarie Cienava Rocco
· Expert for Plaintiff(s): Glenn Russo | Robert B. Cox
Defendant(s): The Greens Association, Inc. | Imagineers, LLC | Burton Brothers, LLC
· Counsel for Defendant(s): James E. Wildes
· Expert for Defendant(s): Brad Field | Gary Lessor | Jarob N. Mushaweh
Claims Asserted
Stearns filed three negligence counts:
· Against The Greens Association, Inc. – for failing to maintain the parking lot in a safe condition, allowing a hazardous surface to exist after ploughing.
· Against Imagineers, LLC – for failing to manage snow removal properly and supervise contractors.
· Against Burton Brothers, LLC – for negligent snow removal and failure to apply anti-slip materials after ploughing.
Defense
Burton Brothers denied responsibility and argued Stearns was negligent himself. They claimed he failed to watch where he was walking, ignored obvious weather conditions, and voluntarily took the risk. The other Defendants also disputed liability, denying that their actions caused his injuries.
Jury Verdict
On February 26, 2025, after deliberation, the jury found in favor of all three Defendants- The Greens Association, Inc., Imagineers, LLC, and Burton Brothers, LLC. The plaintiff, Stearns received no damages.