More than six months after his new dishwasher was installed, Leonard Projansky tripped over the bottom of it and fell. He broke both femurs, which resulted in surgery, a week in the hospital, and three months in rehab.
This was a complicated case for many reasons, but Firm Partner Joe Landy vigorously litigated the claim which resulted in a $900,000 settlement for our 82-year-old client.
Our client bought the dishwasher online from a wholesale club, and the purchase included delivery and installation.
Unbeknownst to him, the wholesale club subbed out the delivery and installation to another company, which subbed it to another company which subbed it to another company. Joe had to file another lawsuit just to identify the proper companies to sue in the injury case.
The injury happened six months after the installation when our client was cutting peppers at his sink, turned to walk to the fridge and tripped over the kickplate located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Our client thought that the kick plate on the dishwasher popped out and caused him to trip.
Joe hired an expert dishwasher repairman, whose investigation determined that the drain line was improperly installed in the back, causing the kick plate to extend out half an inch. He determined that our client’s foot struck the kick plate, which popped out as he fell.
The defense hired an engineer with no experience installing or repairing dishwashers who attempted to discredit our client’s version of events. Joe deposed him for hours and got him to admit that there was in fact a trip hazard, which destroyed their defense.
Joe’s knowledge, experience and tenacity in litigating this claim resulted in justice for our incredibly deserving and kind client. He and the team at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith are here to do the same for you and your loved ones.
