In a recent legal development that captured public attention, Meghan Brown, a former JP Morgan analyst, was awarded over $35 million in damages after sustaining severe injuries from a shattered commercial glass door incident. This ruling came after a Manhattan jury deliberated for three weeks on the case.
The incident, which occurred in February 2015 at 271 Madison Avenue in New York, left Brown with life-altering injuries. Court documents reveal that Brown was entering the building when the glass entrance door unexpectedly shattered, causing her significant harm. Security footage indicated that Brown had pushed the door with her shoulder while on her phone, and a man’s subsequent touch led to the door’s breakage, resulting in Brown collapsing in the building lobby.
Brown’s legal team argued that various factors, including defects in the glass, improper installation and maintenance of the door, and a history of similar incidents at the location, contributed to the catastrophic event. They contended that a proper inspection could have uncovered these issues and prevented the accident.
On the other hand, the defendant, 271 Madison Co., claimed that Brown’s actions—particularly not using the door handle—contributed to the incident, shifting the blame onto her. However, expert testimony presented during the trial suggested that the door’s breakage was due to underlying defects rather than Brown’s use of it.
Following a thorough evaluation of the evidence, the jury unanimously held 271 Madison Co. accountable for Brown’s injuries, deeming them 100% liable. They awarded Brown substantial damages, including $1.75 million for past pain and suffering, $20 million for future pain and suffering, and $13.4 million for future medical expenses, reflecting the long-term impact of her injuries.
Reports suggest that Brown, who is now 36 years old, continues to grapple with the aftermath of the incident, experiencing a range of debilitating symptoms such as memory loss, sensitivity to light and noise, vertigo, and impaired cognitive abilities. The substantial compensation granted by the jury acknowledges the profound challenges she faces daily as a result of the shattered glass door incident.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of property safety and maintenance, highlighting the serious consequences that negligence in these aspects can have on individuals’ lives. Meghan Brown’s ordeal underscores the significance of accountability and responsibility in ensuring the well-being and safety of all individuals within public spaces.
As discussions surrounding safety regulations and accountability continue to evolve, cases like Brown’s bring attention to the pivotal role that legal proceedings play in seeking justice and compensation for those impacted by preventable accidents.
Source: New York Law Journal with additional information added by GlassBalkan
