Stark & Stark Shareholder Evan Lide, Esq. Secures $1.8 Million Verdict for Trip and Fall

Evan J. Lide, Esq. recently secured a $1.8 Million verdict for his client, a woman who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and orthopedic injuries after tripping and falling at a wedding venue. The trial was presided by the Honorable Christopher D. Rafano, J.S.C. in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

The plaintiff, Debra Forman, was a 62-year-old woman attending a wedding at the historic Cranberry Inn on November 4th, 2017 in Cranbury, New Jersey. Debra tripped on a fireplace hearth in the newer section of the Cranbury Inn. The fireplace hearth extension was raised 1.375 inches and was five times what the ASTM standards, the ADA, and the building code required. She immediately suffered from non-displaced fractures in her nose and a non-displaced right humerus fracture. Although the diagnostic testing in the hospital did not reveal any brain hemorrhage, it was also later determined that Debra had suffered a traumatic brain injury from the accident.

After two weeks of trial, Debra Forman was awarded $1.35 million for pain and suffering, $402,596 for her loss of earning capacity, and her husband was awarded $120,000 for his loss of consortium.

“I am thankful that the jury saw the truth in this case and that when Debbie tripped over the raised fireplace hearth extension, she suffered a traumatic brain injury that had devastating consequences for Debbie and her family. This verdict means so much to Debbie and her family, and I am so proud that her reputation was vindicated.” Evan Lide stated.

Evan J. Lide is a Shareholder and member of Stark & Stark’s Personal Injury Group. He is also an expert Civil Trial Attorney as certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Evan has dedicated his career to seeking justice for those who have been wronged. He focuses his practice on representing people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic injuries, including death resulting from automobile crashes, product liability, and premises liability.