Rigaud v. Bakery Associates, Ltd.

RESULT

On May 21, 2000, Defendants owned a shopping center called the Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami. Plaintiffs alleged that Defendants negligently maintained the main public outdoor stairway by blocking the bottom of the stairway with tables and planters, thus preventing the use of handrails along the stairway. Plaintiff alleged that as she was descending the stairway and approaching the obstruction, she was forced to let go of the handrail and awkwardly descend the remaining steps to reach the bottom of the stairway. Plaintiff fell while trying to descend the remaining steps. Plaintiffs claimed that Defendants were in violation of the Florida Building Code and the National Fire Protection Act. Defendants did not dispute the obstruction, but alleged that Plaintiff should have been able to walk down on her own. Read More