$85,000: Stepladder Collapse Results in Severed Achilles Tendon

June 9, 2010

CASE DESCRIPTION: Jeff K. had a Franklin-type chair (a chair that also transforms into a step ladder) which he positioned in the step ladder configuration in order to reach for a sweater in a closet at his home.  When he stepped up to the second step to reach for the sweater, the chair slid forward which caused it to collapse and catch his ankle in a vise-like position in the chair, causing his Achilles tendon to rupture.

RESULT: $85,000

TYPE OF CASE: Products liability

INJURIES: Severed Achilles tendon

DATE AND LOCATION: November 16, 2006, in Huntington Beach, California.

PLAINTIFF’S AGE: Jeffrey K., 53

OCCUPATION: Associate Professor

PLAINTIFFS’ ATTORNEY:
Casey R. Johnson, Esq.
AITKEN * AITKEN * COHN

DEFENDANTS’ ATTORNEYS:
Don Gilbert, Esq.

DEFENDANTS’ INSURER: State Farm