Trial Magazine
Verdicts & Settlements: Premises Liability
Negligent installation of sink
November 2019Pearl Harrod, who was in her 40s, was at a bar with friends. While in the bar’s restroom, she leaned back against the porcelain sink, which fell off the wall and cracked in half. A sharp piece of broken porcelain sliced Harrod’s right hand, resulting in a laceration and nerve damage. Harrod, a dental assistant, underwent two surgeries but has lost range of motion and sensation in her hand.
Harrod sued the bar’s owner, alleging that the plumber who installed the sink failed to use the necessary bolts to provide reinforcement and adequately secure the sink to the wall.
The jury awarded $325,000.
Citation: Harrod v. Crestmark Entm’t LLC, No. BC643087 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. Jan. 28, 2019).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Jeffrey D. Wolf and Andres Nochez Lugo, both of Los Angeles.
Plaintiff experts: Mack Quan, mechanics, El Segundo, Calif.; and Prosper Benhaim, hand surgery, Los Angeles.
Defense expert: Stuart Kuschner, hand surgery, Los Angeles.