Jury Awards Damages in Sean Kendrick Stairway Fall Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
This case began with an accident at a Meriden home on September 25, 2016. The property at 9 Anthony Terrace belonged to Donna Morley. Sean Kendrick, who lived at the house as a lawful tenant and invitee, claimed that the outside stairs leading to the main entrance were unsafe.
According to Kendrick, one of the steps was broken and unstable. He said it had been neglected for some time, and Morley failed to repair it. On the day of the accident, the step collapsed beneath him, sending him falling backward.
Kendrick filed suit in September 2018. He argued that Morley had a legal duty to keep her property safe for those living there and that her failure to fix the stairs directly caused his fall.
Morley denied this. In her answer to the complaint, she insisted Kendrick was not her guest or tenant. She claimed the house was leased to someone else and that she had no responsibility for the condition of the steps.
Cause
The case revolved around the staircase. Kendrick claimed the collapse of the broken step caused his fall. He said the dangerous condition had existed long before the accident and that Morley either knew or should have known about it.
The defense countered that Kendrick was not legally present on the property and that the step was not her responsibility.
Injury
The fall left Kendrick with significant injuries. He reported constant pain in his back and neck, muscle spasms, and stiffness that limited his range of motion. He also developed frequent headaches and had trouble sleeping.
Doctors noted reduced flexibility in his spine and neck, making it difficult for him to work or enjoy normal activities. He also experienced anxiety and emotional distress tied to the accident.
These problems did not go away quickly. Kendrick said that, even years after the fall, he continued to live with daily discomfort and reduced mobility.
Damages
Kendrick sought money damages for both economic and non-economic losses. His claim included medical bills, therapy costs, and medication expenses. He also argued that he would face more medical needs in the future.
Beyond financial costs, he sought damages for pain, suffering, and the loss of his ability to live and work as he had before the fall. His complaint stated that his damages exceeded $15,000.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Sean Kendrick
· Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Brian V. Altieri
· Experts for Plaintiff(s): Frederick Adolph Reichle
Defendant(s): Donna Morley
· Counsel for Defendant(s): Self-represented
Claims Asserted
Kendrick’s lawyer argued that the fall was the predictable result of negligence. He said Morley failed in her basic responsibility to keep her property safe. The unstable stairway was a clear hazard, and the accident proved it.
The Plaintiff’s case highlighted how Kendrick’s life changed after the fall. Once active and able-bodied, he now struggled with chronic pain and limited movement. His lawyer stressed that the accident had long-term effects that Morley’s inaction had caused.
Defense Arguments
Morley, representing herself, denied responsibility. She argued that Kendrick was not her lawful tenant or guest. According to her, the house was leased to someone else, which made her not accountable for day-to-day safety issues.
She also suggested that unauthorized activities had taken place at the property and that damage had been caused by others. In her view, Kendrick had no legal grounds to hold her liable.
Jury Verdict
The case reached trial in 2024. After hearing both sides, the jury returned its decision in November.
The jury found in favor of Plaintiff Sean Kendrick and against Defendant Donna Morley. They awarded him damages that included both economic compensation for medical bills amounting to $1323.22 and non-economic compensation for pain and suffering of $100,000. Total amount awarded was $101323.22.
The verdict confirmed that Morley was responsible for the unsafe condition of the stairs. By ignoring the broken step, she violated her duty as a property owner, and Kendrick suffered serious harm as a result.