Glynn Jordon vs. Peter Christy et al
Case Background
On April 15, 2021, Plaintiff Glynn Jordan filed a Premises Liability lawsuit in the Connecticut State, Superior Court of Bridgeport Division (Case number: FBT-CV21-6107899-S). Judge William Clark presided over the case.
Cause
Peter Christy and Veronica Christy owned, occupied, maintained, and controlled the property at 16 Briar Hill Road in Trumbull, Connecticut. This property became the site of a serious accident on October 4, 2020. Around 3:00 p.m. that day, Glynn Jordan visited the premises. While attempting to enter the home, Jordan ascended a staircase beside the house. During this ascent, he fell due to what the complaint alleges was the Christys’ negligence.
The staircase lacked a crucial safety feature—a handrail. This omission violated basic safety standards for residential properties. Furthermore, the patio at the top of the stairway presented an additional hazard because it lacked a railing or any other safeguard at its edge. Despite knowing these dangerous conditions, the Christys’ instructed Jordan to use this staircase to enter their home. They failed to warn him about the missing handrail or the unprotected patio edge, thus exposing him to unnecessary risk.
Injuries
The fall caused severe injuries to Glynn Jordan. He struck his head, resulting in a traumatic brain injury with ongoing dizziness. This head trauma may have long-term cognitive and neurological effects. Jordan also suffered a fracture to his left lower leg, which required surgery and hospitalization, indicating a complex break.
Beyond these primary injuries, Jordan experienced a shock to his nervous system, affecting various bodily systems, including muscles, ligaments, nerves, and bones. As a result, Jordan endured significant physical pain and mental anguish. He also developed nervousness, potentially related to post-traumatic stress. Some of these injuries or their effects were likely to be permanent, with long-term consequences for Jordan’s health and well-being.
Damages
The accident imposed substantial financial burdens on Glynn Jordan. He incurred immediate expenses for hospitalization, including emergency room fees, surgical costs, and charges for his inpatient stay. Moving forward, Jordan faced ongoing expenses for medical care, including pain management, diagnostic procedures, and therapy. Therapy may have included physical therapy for his injured leg and cognitive therapy for any lingering effects of his head injury.
Jordan’s injuries significantly impaired his ability to perform household duties and engage in daily activities, leading to a diminished quality of life. This loss of function may require him to hire help for tasks he can no longer perform independently. The complaint asserts that these challenges have caused and will continue to cause financial loss and a decrease in life satisfaction.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal representation
- Plaintiff(s): Glynn Jordon
- Counsel for Plaintiff: Eric C. Shinaman
- Defendant(s):Peter Christy | Veronica Christy
- Counsel for Defendants: Cynthia M. Garraty
Claims
In response to his injuries and losses, Glynn Jordan filed a lawsuit against Peter and Veronica Christy. The primary claim was a demand for fair, just, and reasonable monetary damages. These damages sought to compensate Jordan for his physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses.
The complaint specified that the amount in demand was not less than $15,000.00, exclusive of interest and costs. This figure represents the minimum threshold for the claim, suggesting that the actual damages sought could be higher. In addition to specific monetary damages, the plaintiff also requested any other relief the Court of Equity deemed appropriate, potentially including measures requiring the Christys to address the safety issues on their property.
Defense
The defendants admitted to owning and controlling the property at 16 Briar Hill Road but denied all allegations of negligence or carelessness. They claimed they lacked sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief about Jordan’s fall, injuries, and damages, leaving Jordan to prove these claims.
In their special defense, the Christys asserted that Jordan himself was negligent and careless. They argued that Jordan’s actions caused or contributed to his injuries and damages. The defendants claimed Jordan failed to watch his surroundings, did not pay attention to where he was going, and did not use proper care. They alleged that Jordan failed to watch where he stepped, keep a lookout, and take necessary precautions. The Christys contended that Jordan did not use reasonable care for his safety and, despite being aware of the risks, chose to proceed without regard for his safety.
Jury Verdict
On March 1, 2024, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the defendants and against the plaintiff in a Premises Liability Lawsuit.
Court Documents:
Leave A Comment