KF’s trial team, led by Of Counsel Gail Goode and assisted
by Senior Attorney Rachael Marvin and East Coast Managing Partner Jeff
Miragliotta, along with Appellate Partner Sean Harriton, obtained a total
defense verdict on October 23, 2024 during the liability phase of a bifurcated
trial in Kings County Supreme Court (Brooklyn, New York). The case involved a
fall down an allegedly wet and slippery staircase in Manhattan. Plaintiff
claimed the stairs had just been mopped by the building porter, which caused
her to fall. She sued the building owner and property management company. She
subsequently underwent spinal fusion surgery and demanded $6M. The defendants
decided on a no-pay position and instead chose to try the case to verdict. Our
team was retained three weeks before trial and successfully defeated plaintiff counsel’s motion
for unification, thereby minimizing the damages/sympathy factor that could
otherwise be used to distract from the liability issues. Gail then successfully
focused the jury on the evidence that they’d heard and seen, the
inconsistencies she’d elicited, and the practical unlikeliness of plaintiff’s
claim as described at trial. Gail’s approach was compelling and led the jury to
the just and correct verdict in favor of the defense.
