$750,000 Verdict

On March 2, 2014, plaintiff Elijah Johnson, a 62-year-old disabled man, went to a flea market in Homestead Florida, owned and operated by the Defendant, Redland Market Village, Inc. When he arrived, he was faced with no open gates, even though the market was open, and no signs or directions telling him where to go. As a result, after seeing others doing it, Mr. Johnson attempted to cross over a downed portion of the fence and fell, breaking his leg and requiring emergency surgery. We contended that the Defendants were negligent in its failure to properly maintain its fence coupled with the failure to have open gates, posted signs, and other directions to its customers. We also conceded some responsibility on behalf of Mr. Johnson. The defendant argued that it did not do anything wrong, properly maintained its premises, and that the entire incident was the responsibility of Mr. Johnson. The jury disagreed and found Redland Market Village, Inc. 75% negligent, with 25% negligence on Mr. Johnson, awarding Mr. Johnson $750,000. The award included $140,000 in past and future medical expenses, and $610,000 in past and future pain and suffering.