The Estate of Jane Doe v. ABC Trust - 2000
Plaintiff Jane Doe, deceased, was a 66-year-old retired county worker residing in an apartment complex on Cleveland,'s east side. Ms. Doe was single with no children. A fire broke out in the first floor laundry room of her building in the early morning hours. The fire was determined to be of human origin. There had been at least five previous fires of human origin in the laundry rooms of buildings in this complex, and one in her building. The complex also had a history of vagrants living in apartment laundry rooms. All other tenants escaped, but Ms. Doe was killed in the fire. Plaintiffs alleged the apartment complex was negligent in failing to provide adequate security to protect its residents. Defendant contended this was arson and nothing could be done to prevent the fire.
Settlement at Trial: Confidential. Co-Counsel:
Johnnie Cochran, Esq.Inadequate Security Wrongful Death Premises Liability
David Buckley v. Alfalfas Enterprises, Inc. dba Slam Jams, et al. -1997
Plaintiff,
a business invitee, was assaulted by 3 to 5 other patrons
at the Slam Jams Sports Bar and Grill. Plaintiff claimed
the bar maintained inadequate security for the safety of
its customers. Defendants contended that they should not
be held responsible for the unforeseeable criminal acts
of third parties and that Plaintiff contributed to his own
injuries. Plaintiff sustained spinal cord injury including
Brown Sequard Syndrome. As a result, he experienced atrophy
of the right shoulder, arm and loss of dexterity in right
hand as well as numbness in his left lower quadrant and
a surgical laminectomy of C4-C7
Settlement at Trial: $850.000.00 Premises Liability Inadequate Security
Jane Doe v. ABC University - 1997
A
17 year old student was sexually assaulted by a non-student
intruder while practicing voice at her state university
in a conservatory rehearsal room. Plaintiff claimed the
defendant university negligently failed to provide a safe
environment for students and negligently maintained the
locks on both the outside and inside building doors, allowing
the intruder access to the building and this young girl.
The university claimed that adequate security was maintained
and that the building was part of the public institution
and therefore not restricted.
Settlement: $700.000.00 Premises Liability Inadequate Security
