DeCandia V. Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC

Parties Involved

  • Plaintiff: Albert DeCandia
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Richard Harvey Roston
  • Defendants: Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC d/b/a Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Town Center
    • Counsel for Defendant: Carl Dewayne Lonas | Rebecca A. Roberts

Verdict Information

  • Verdict Date: May 8, 2024
  • Total damages awarded to Plaintiff: $0.00

About the Case

Cause

Defendant Remington Lodging & Hospitality owned and operated the Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Town Center, located in Virginia. On May 12, 2022, Plaintiff Albert DeCandia, was staying at the hotel as a registered guest and as a business invitee. At 5:30 a.m. on that day, he requested hot water at the kitchen window to make a beverage.

DeCandia walked carefully through a public area towards a coffee table trying to avoid spilling any of the extremely hot water. However, despite his caution, he tripped over a black sign laying on the dark floor, thereby, camouflaging it. The hot water spilled on him and caused serious injuries to the plaintiff. The sign was negligently placed and difficult to see. He believed the premises should have been reasonably safe, alleging the hotel owed him a duty of care. Consequently, DeCandia filed a personal injury lawsuit claiming damages against the defendant.

The defendant had allegedly negligently maintained the premises, breaching their duty of care. It was foreseeable that such negligence could lead to injury and the defendant had also failed to warn DeCandia about the hazardous condition.

Injury 

The defendant’s negligence supposedly directly led to the accident, causing significant physical harm and emotional suffering to the plaintiff. These injuries prevented him from performing his usual business and household tasks. Additionally, DeCandia suffered financial losses due to the inability to work, resulting in lost wages. Moreover, he had to face mounting medical expenses associated with treatment of the injuries. Overall, the defendant’s negligence caused substantial harm to the plaintiff, affecting various aspects of his life and well-being.

Damages

Under the instant personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff sought damages for $350,000.00 plus costs, prejudgment interest from May 12, 2022, and post-judgment interest from the defendant. He also prayed for further appropriate relief.

Jury Verdict

On May 8, 2024, the Virginia jury unanimously ruled in favor of Remington Lodging & Hospitality, LLC, absolving them of liability. The plaintiff, DeCandia, received no compensation in the personal injury lawsuit. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard upheld the jury’s decision on May 9, exonerating the defendants.

Court Documents:

Available upon request