Yul watley vs. P.J.A.A. Associates, LLC

Case Background

On August 9, 2022, Plaintiff Yul watley filed a Slip and Fall lawsuit in the Connecticut State, Superior Court of New Haven Judicial District (Case number: NNH-CV22-6125710-S). Judge Angelica Papastavros presided over the case.

Cause

On January 29, 2022, at approximately 5:30 PM, a significant premises liability incident occurred at 1659 Quinnipiac Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. The property, owned and operated by P.J.A.A. Associates, LLC, contained a Food Mart open to the public. Plaintiff Yul Watley approached the entrance and encountered a hazardous condition on the front steps. Due to accumulated ice and snow that had not been cleared, Mr. Watley suffered a serious slip and fall. The property owner and employees failed to remove the accumulated snow and ice, treat the surface with sand or salt, or warn visitors with visible signage or barriers. All employees present acted within their scope of employment as agents of P.J.A.A. Associates, LLC.

Injuries

The slip and fall resulted in severe injuries to Mr. Watley’s spine, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar strain/sprain. He also suffered a right shoulder strain, affecting his upper body mobility. Additionally, the traumatic event triggered acute anxiety and chronic muscle spasms, significantly impacting his daily activities. Mr. Watley experienced persistent sleeplessness, fatigue, and recurring headaches. Medical evaluations suggested permanent damage, with long-term implications for his health and well-being.

Damages

The Slip and Fall lawsuit sought monetary damages exceeding $15,000, excluding interest and costs. The exact amount was to be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of economic and non-economic damages, including documented injuries, medical treatments, and ongoing impairments.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Yul watley
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Nicholas R. Nesi
  • Defendant(s):J.A.A. Associates, LLC
    • Counsel for Defendants: Miles N. Esty

 Claims

The Slip and Fall lawsuit detailed multiple aspects of the defendant’s negligence, specifically focusing on their failure to maintain safe premises conditions. The plaintiff’s legal team argued that the property owner had both actual and constructive notice of the hazardous conditions, asserting they knew or should have known about the dangerous accumulation of ice and snow through proper inspection protocols. The complaint emphasized the defendant’s failure to fulfill their duty of care through multiple oversight failures, including inadequate property maintenance, failure to remediate known hazards, and failure to warn visitors about dangerous conditions.

Defense

P.J.A.A. Associates, LLC admitted to being a licensed corporation in Connecticut and owning the property at 1659 Quinnipiac Avenue. They denied that the property was open to the public. The defense claimed insufficient knowledge regarding the actions of their managers and employees during the incident and denied all allegations about the slip and fall, including the injuries and damages. They also stated that they lacked sufficient knowledge to address the plaintiff’s claims about pain, suffering, and medical expenses.

The defense raised two special defenses. First, they argued that Mr. Watley’s own negligence contributed to his injuries. They claimed he failed to maintain a proper lookout, exercise reasonable care, and observe or avoid the hazardous condition. Second, the defense cited the ongoing storm doctrine, based on Kraus v. Newton, arguing they had no duty to remove snow and ice during the storm.

Jury Verdict

On October 10, 2024, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of the defendant, P.J.A.A. Associates, LLC in a Slip and Fall lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Jury Verdict