Trial Magazine

Victoria Romeo-Burger, 22, was at her wedding reception, which took place under a tent in a restaurant parking lot. While dancing, her foot became caught in a hole in the pavement, causing her to twist her right knee. She suffered a torn ACL, and emergency medical technicians had to take her out of the reception. She later required surgeries.

Romeo-Burger sued the restaurant, alleging premises liability. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant failed to warn of a dangerous condition and should have required her to have a dance floor installed for the reception. The plaintiff did not claim lost income or medical expenses.

The jury awarded $400,000.

Citation: Romeo-Burger v. Ocean Pride Seafood, No. 03-C-2019-004088 (Md. Cir. Ct. Baltimore Cnty. Apr. 27, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member David A. Muncy, Columbia, Md.

Plaintiff experts: Michael Franchetti, orthopedic surgery, Ellicott City, Md.; and Alan Someck, hospitality, Great Neck, N.Y.