Plaintiff was moving an oil burner down a set of stairs in his home. While moving the oil burner, the stairs collapsed beneath him causing the oil burner to fall onto him. Plaintiff sued his parents, alleging negligent maintenance of the premises, and that their negligence created a dangerous condition. Defendant-parents' insurer disclaimed coverage, and the defendants failed to answer the complaint. A default judgment was entered, and the court was left to determine damages.
VERDICT: $1,170,000
James MacWhinnie v. Herbert MacWhinnie and Linda MacWhinnie, Case No. 15063/10 (Suffolk County, NY, Hon. John J.J. Jones Jr., March 30, 2011).
