In a powerful one-two punch, Wood Smith Henning & Berman secured consecutive wins in Connecticut premises liability cases, each supervised by Partner Kate Adams, delivering complete dismissals of claims targeting property management clients. The victories involved two separate contentious pieces of litigation: one stemming from an alleged vicious dog attack inside a tenant's apartment, and another involving a serious injury allegedly caused by a defective sidewalk ramp. Both cases were successfully resolved at the motion stage, sparing the firm's clients the cost and risk of trial. The winning motions were argued by Attorney Kendra McGuire and Senior Counsel Megan Michaud, respectively, who both effectively advocated their clients' positions before Connecticut Superior Court judges.
In the first matter, the Superior Court of the Judicial District of Middlesex at Middletown granted the defense's motion to strike and entered judgment in favor of the property management company accused of negligence after attack. The plaintiff, a minor, alleged facial injuries and emotional trauma following an encounter with a tenant's dog inside the tenant's apartment. The lawsuit named the dog's owner and the property manager as defendants. However, the court agreed with WSHB's arguments that the plaintiff failed to allege two essential elements required to hold a landlord liable under Connecticut law: that the incident occurred in a common area under the landlord's control, and that the landlord had prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities. As a result, the court dismissed plaintiff's negligence claim against the firm's client in its entirety.
In a second case, the firm obtained summary judgment in a trip-and-fall lawsuit involving an allegedly defective sidewalk ramp. The plaintiff claimed she suffered serious injury, specifically, a right femoral fracture requiring surgery, after tripping on what she described as an unmarked, uneven ramp leading from a parking lot to the sidewalk. Her medical expenses totaled approximately $96,000. The defense, led by Attorneys Megan Michaud and Kate Adams retained an engineering expert who determined the ramp complied with all applicable building and safety codes. The court ruled in the client's favor, finding the plaintiff had not presented sufficient evidence of a defect or of the property owner's actual or constructive notice of any hazardous condition.
"These rulings reflect the importance of a well-supported defense and a clear understanding of the legal standards governing property owner liability in Connecticut," remarked Adams. "We're proud to deliver results that protect our clients from claims that lack the necessary legal or factual foundation."
"It's always gratifying to see thoughtful, evidence-based advocacy prevail," Adams added. "In each instance, we focused on the specific legal elements required and demonstrated that our clients simply did not meet the threshold for liability under the law."
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.