Corboy & Demetrio announces a Cook County jury returned a verdict of $740,000 on Friday for a 57-year-old Chicago woman who tripped on stairs while visiting her sister in a Northside condominium.

Corboy & Demetrio partners Francis Patrick Murphy and Robert J. Bingle represented Maria Garcia in the slip and fall case. Garcia, who was 53 years old when she tripped on a back staircase in the common area of the condo near Ridge and Devon Avenues, suffered a tibial plateau fracture. Garcia had an initial surgery and eventually needed a knee replacement. Evidence at trial showed the stairs in the four-flat condo were dimly lit and that she suffered little or no pain after the knee replacement.

“What makes Maria's injuries so tragic is that this fall was easily preventable: simply turn on the light for guests," Francis Patrick Murphy said. “This verdict should be a wake-up call to all condo associations, big or small, that if you do not keep your property safe for guests, you are going to pay if they get hurt," Murphy added.

The trial of the slip and fall case lasted four days. It took jurors two hours to return their verdict.

Case info: 2008S-0087, Maria Garcia v. 6653-55 North Seeley Building Condominium Association; Cook County Circuit Court

About Corboy & Demetrio

Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation’s premier law firms. It represents individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases and is renowned for its achievements in the courtroom and for its contributions to the community. The rights and concerns of its clients are at the core of Corboy & Demetrio’s practice. That commitment, dedication, compassion and relentless drive has resulted in exceptional service and exceptional results for its clients. The firm has acquired more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts and has attained almost 600 settlements and verdicts in excess of $1 million.

To speak with Patrick Murphy, Bob Bingle or any other Chicago personal injury lawyer at Corboy & Demetrio, call 312-346-3191 or toll free at 888-364-3191.

Media Contact:

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Corboy & Demetrio, P.C.
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312-346-3191 (office)
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