Partially protruding signpost leads to premises liability lawsuit

A Philadelphia man who alleged that he sustained injuries after tripping on a partially removed street sign is suing the City of Philadelphia in civil court.

Glenside, Pa. attorney Martin B. Katz filed the slip-and-fall lawsuit July 18 at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on behalf of Angelo LaPalomento.

According to the complaint, LaPalomento was walking along the sidewalk at 2401 E. York St. on July 20, 2009 at about 11 in the evening when he tripped and fell over a sharp metal object that had been protruding from the ground.

The plaintiff later found out that the object, which had been hidden in the dark of night, may have been part of a City of Philadelphia sign that may have been cut down in part, but not in full, leaving a piece of metal jutting two to three inches out of the sidewalk, the lawsuit states.

As a result of his fall, LaPalomento sustained “severe and disabling injuries,” including, but not limited to, damage to his right shoulder, lower back and right shin, the lawsuit claims.

The plaintiff also suffered permanent scarring to his right shin.

The lawsuit claims that LaPalomento will continue to suffer severe physical pain, mental anguish and emotional distress. He also has had to undergo extensive medical treatment for his injuries, which has caused him to expend various sums of money.

As a result of the accident, the lawsuit claims, the plaintiff has suffered a loss of ability to attend to his daily activities and needs, as well as a loss of life’s pleasures.

LaPalomento demands judgment against the defendant in an amount not in excess of $50,000, together with attorney’s fees and related costs.

The non-jury matter is not yet scheduled for arbitration.

The case number is 110701563.