Troy Lee et al v. Theodore Frantz (2010)

MEMORANDUM OF DECISION ON PLAINTIFF WILLIAM BETHEA

This is a civil action wherein the plaintiffs, Troy Lee and William Bethea, are seeking money damages for injuries and losses sustained on January 5, 2008 when the stairs collapsed at a residence owned by the defendant Theodore Frantz as the plaintiffs were carrying a couch down the stairs.   The plaintiffs claim that they fell down the stairs when the stairs collapsed, and that the collapse was caused by the negligence of the defendant-owner.

The defendant has been defaulted for failure to appear.   This court heard the claim of the plaintiff William Bethea as a hearing in damages on June 30, 2010.

As a result of the fall the plaintiff William Bethea suffered a musculoligamentous lumbosacral sprains and strains, contusions of the chest and right ribcage, contusions of the right shoulder, traumatic aggravation of pre-existent cervical sprains and strains, and post-traumatic headaches.   He has incurred medical and hospital expenses totaling $4,528.86.   Medicare has paid $3,329.86 of these expenses but the plaintiff William Bethea must repay the State of Connecticut for the Medicare payments, and pay Dr. Ranieri's outstanding bill of $1,199.00.

As a result of his fall the plaintiff William Bethea has suffered economic damages of $4,528.86 and non-economic damages of $8,500.00.   A judgment may enter in favor of the plaintiff William Bethea and as against the defendant Theodore Frantz in the amount of $13,028.86,

William L. Hadden, Jr.

Judge Trial Referee

Hadden, William L., J.T.R.