Schlesinger Law Offices secured a $41 million jury verdict on behalf of a man who suffered catastrophic injuries in a bicycle accident at Jonathan’s Landing, a private residential community in southeastern Florida.
The Accident
On April 10, 2016, the cyclist was riding along a promenade in Jonathan’s Landing, a private golf club community in southeastern Florida. The community’s neighborhoods were connected by a promenade system used by bicyclists, pedestrians, and golf carts.
At an intersection along the promenade, two hard-to-see posts marked the crossing. The cyclist struck one of the posts and was thrown from his bicycle. He suffered severe and permanent injuries that eventually left him quadriplegic and unable to return to his career.
The injuries required extensive medical, nursing, and rehabilitative care and permanently altered nearly every aspect of his life.
The Lawsuit Against the Property Owners Association
Schlesinger Law Offices brought a premises liability lawsuit against the homeowners’ association responsible for the community.
The case centered on whether the association had taken reasonable steps to protect cyclists using the promenade from a dangerous condition. The lawsuit alleged that the association knew or should have known that the design, placement, maintenance, and management of the promenade and posts created an unreasonable risk of harm.
Among the issues presented to the jury were allegations that the association failed to:
• Properly place and locate the posts
• Provide pavement markings or warning signs alerting cyclists to their presence
• Use high-visibility paint
• Install adequate reflective material on the stanchions
The jury ultimately determined that the property owners association failed to provide adequate warning of the danger.
The $41 Million Verdict
After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a $41 million verdict.
The damages included compensation for past and future medical, nursing, and rehabilitative care, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and significant non-economic damages resulting from the cyclist’s permanent injuries. The verdict also included damages awarded to his wife for the profound effect the injuries had on their relationship.
The verdict will help provide the medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support needed in the years ahead.
Serious Bicycle Accident Cases Require Serious Representation
Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for bicyclists. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a bicycle accident, contact the Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident attorneys at Schlesinger Law Offices. For more than 70 years, our trial-tested legal team has represented injured people and their families in complex personal injury cases. We can investigate what happened, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the compensation needed to support your recovery and long-term care.
If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury in a bicycle accident, contact Schlesinger Law Offices at (954) 467-8800 for a free case review.
A single act of negligence can change an innocent person’s life forever. You shouldn’t have to worry about affording your medical bills or questioning if your lost wages can be recovered. Contact Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. at (954) 467-8800 to schedule a free case review today.
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