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One Million Dollars Award for Slip on a Dustsheet

A New York widow has been awarded more than one million dollars in personal injury compensation, after she slipped on a carelessly placed plastic dustsheet while renovation work was being done on her studio apartment.

Marie Wilson (89) of Manhattan, New York, sustained her injury in March 2009, when workmen were in the process of installing replacement windows. Her landlord and the workmen had moved furniture away from the window area and laid plastic dustsheets in order to protect the floor. However, one of these dustsheets had been laid carelessly, and it was on this sheet that Marie slipped.

Her injuries required that she undergo hip replacement surgery and extensive physical therapy and, for a long period after her surgery, the former avid walker had to use a walking aid in order for her to remain mobile.

After taking legal advice, Marie sued the landlord and property management agent – Caran Properties Inc. – and the contractors – Skyline Windows LLC – for a breach in their duty of care. At the Supreme Court of Bronx County a jury found the co-defendants to have been negligent and awarded Marie 450,000 dollars for past pain and suffering and 600,000 dollars for future pain and suffering.