A slip-and-fall incident at a Pennsylvania apartment complex has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for property management and tenant safety. On July 7, 2022, Archie Singleton filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County against Oakwood Apartments and associated entities, alleging negligence and seeking damages within arbitration limits.
According to the complaint filed by Singleton's attorney, Casey O. Srogoncik, Esq., Singleton was injured due to a hazardous condition on the exterior steps of Oakwood Apartments located at 8723 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA. The lawsuit names multiple defendants including Oakwood Apartments LLC, Oakwood Apartments LP, Woodward Properties Inc., and several John Does who are believed to be involved in property management and maintenance.
The plaintiff asserts that on the day of the incident, he was a business invitee at the premises when he slipped on wet and slippery steps that had been negligently maintained. "Defendants carelessly and negligently allowed a dangerous and defective condition to exist," states the complaint. It further alleges that this hazardous condition had been present for an unreasonable period without any corrective action or warning signs from the defendants.
Singleton's injuries are described as severe and include right S1 radiculopathy lumbar injuries requiring injection therapy, lumbago, sciatica, right hip injury, segmental/somatic dysfunction of the lumbar, sacral and pelvic musculatures among other musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries have resulted in significant pain and suffering for Singleton and have necessitated ongoing medical treatment. The plaintiff also claims that these injuries have impaired his ability to perform customary activities.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of multiple counts of negligence including failure to maintain safe premises, failure to warn about existing hazards, inadequate inspection protocols, improper hiring practices for contractors responsible for maintenance, and overall disregard for tenant safety. Specifically cited is "negligence per se," which implies that the defendants' actions violated statutory requirements meant to protect individuals like Singleton.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Singleton demands judgment against all named defendants jointly or severally for damages not exceeding arbitration limits plus interest and costs. The complaint emphasizes that these damages are necessary to cover past and future medical expenses as well as compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, humiliation, and other related impacts.
Representing Singleton is Casey O. Srogoncik from Clearfield & Kofsky law firm based in Philadelphia. The case will be heard in front of judges from Delaware County’s Court of Common Pleas under Case ID: [not provided].