Scott v. Richter & Ratner Contracting Corp.
- Resolution Date:
- November 2006
- Practice Areas:
- Premises Liability, Construction Injuries
- Synopsis:
- Defendant Richter & Ratner Contracting Corp., a general contractor, was performing a seismic and structural upgrade of a retail
building in downtown San Francisco. The defendant hired subcontractors to replace the elevator, but did not ensure that barricades
were placed around the open elevator shaft to prevent falls. Plaintiff Robert Scott, a construction superintendent employed by one
of the subcontractors, slipped into the unguarded elevator shaft on August 30, 2004. He suffered permanent, disabling injuries to
his back, neck and knee.
Defendant contended that Scott was negligent for not paying more attention while he worked, and that he was faking his injury to get prescription painkillers. At trial, the jury determined that Richter & Ratner was 98% liable for Scott’s injuries. - Attorneys:
-
William Veen
Kevin Lancaster
Eustace de Saint Phalle
Mary Anne Bendotoff - Resolution:
- $10.2 Million