Trial News
Verdicts & Settlements: Premises Liability
Faulty staircase riser on television production set
March 30, 2020Tessa Schonder worked on the production set of the TV showThe Voice. As she was exiting a portable restroom trailer, she stepped onto an unsecured wooden riser at the bottom of the trailer’s staircase. The riser gave way, causing Schonder to fall and suffer a fractured left ankle. She underwent surgery, including placement of hardware, and continues to suffer pain and restricted movement, especially in cold weather. She is also at risk of developing degenerative arthritis.
Schonder sued Star Waggons, Inc., which leased and delivered the trailer to the set, and Finnmax LLC, the producer of The Voice, alleging negligence. Suit did not claim past medical expenses or lost income.
The defendants entered into a pretrial stipulation that both had been negligent and that the plaintiff had not contributed to her fall.
The jury awarded $715,000.
Citation: Schonder v. Star Waggons, Inc., No. BC708398 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cty. Dec. 23, 2019).
Plaintiff counsel: Andrew T. Ryan, El Segundo, Calif.
Plaintiff expert: Tye Ouzounian, orthopedics, Tarzana, Calif.
