Georgia Team Secures Jury Defense Verdict for Atlanta Jazz Club in Trip-and-Fall Case

August 19, 2019

A Georgia team led by Savannah Managing Partner Brantley C. Rowlen recently obtained a jury verdict in favor of their client, an Atlanta jazz club, in a trip-and-fall liability case.

Atlanta, Ga. (August 19, 2019) – A Georgia team led by Savannah Managing Partner Brantley C. Rowlen recently obtained a jury verdict in favor of their client, an Atlanta jazz club, in a trip-and-fall liability case. Following a four-day trial, a Fulton County State Court jury found Café 290 of Sandy Springs not liable for the plaintiff’s April 2013 fall which allegedly resulted in injury. Mr. Rowlen was assisted by Savannah Associate Kate Cappelmann and Atlanta Associate Michael Denney.

The plaintiff alleged that she had stumbled against steps in the club as she was taking her seat, resulting in injuries to her hip and back. She claimed that the club had failed to point out the hazard or take steps to make it safer for patrons. However, Mr. Rowlen argued the nightclub was not negligent because the steps in question presented an open and obvious risk of which the plaintiff should have been aware. He also walked the jury through photos of the club, highlighting measures the club had taken above and beyond the usual safety requirements, such as marking the steps with reflective tape and installing additional lighting.

During closing arguments, plaintiff’s counsel requested $2 million in damages. The jury deliberated for just over two hours before rendering their defense verdict.

Read more about this case from the Daily Report (subscription may be required). You can also watch Mr. Rowlen's closing argument on Courtroom View Network.