ADM's Patrick J. Pickett tried a trip and fall case arising from claims of defective stairs and lighting. The case proceeded to trial largely on the issue of notice as to poor lighting.
During trial plaintiff conceded that the lighting in the building was excellent and that the only time she experienced an issue was the night of her accident. Discovery revealed the lights were on a timer and that the timer may have malfunctioned. Pat issued a subpoena on a neighbor who found the plaintiff at the bottom of the stairs; the neighbor testified that the emergency exit sign was illuminated and some exterior light came in through the windows. The jury was out for less than one hour and found that our client was not negligent.