Property owners in New York and elsewhere are always responsible for the safety of other people who move about their premises. This also applies to facilities such as detention centers and prisons. Inmates who suffer injuries that result from unsafe or dangerous surroundings might have grounds to pursue recovery of damages through a premises liability lawsuit.
A 65-year-old mob boss who is serving a 19-year prison sentence recently filed a premises liability lawsuit against the government. The suit claims the prison staff neglected their responsibility to clean the shower area and keep the floor dry. According to court documents, the plaintiff claims he slipped and fell while playing ping-pong in the detention center in 2013. He apparently missed when trying to hit the ball, and then went to retrieve it from the shower area where it landed.
The claim further states that Gioeli suffered a fractured kneecap, which led to surgery and subsequent physical therapy. He also alleges his numerous complaints about slippery areas were ignored. However, the Assistant U.S. attorney says that the claim should be dismissed because the plaintiff was well aware of the risks when he played ping-pong in an area in which he might encounter wet and slippery floors.
The claim is scheduled for trial next month. Those in New York who get hurt on the premises of others due to the property owners’ negligence may have grounds to pursue claims for financial relief in civil court. Discussing the circumstances that led to the injuries with an experienced premises liability attorney is a good first step. The attorney can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout any ensuing legal proceedings.
Source: New York Daily News, “Colombo mob boss who filed slip-and-fall suit knew of Ping-Pong dangers, feds say“, Andrew Keshner, Nov. 9, 2017
