A local couple has taken legal action against multiple entities, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries. On April 21, 2023, Sammy Kain Colburn and his wife Robyn Dildy-Colburn filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, against Century Arms Townhomes LLC and several other defendants.
According to the court documents, Sammy Kain Colburn was performing his duties as a sanitation worker when he tripped on an uneven sidewalk adjacent to properties owned and maintained by the defendants. The lawsuit claims that overgrown grass, rocks, debris, and broken curbs created a hazardous condition that caused Colburn to fall and sustain serious injuries. These injuries include a left ankle sprain with swelling, complete tear of the anterior talofibular ligament, partial tear of the calcaneofibular ligament, Achilles tendinitis with a low-grade partial tear of deep fibers, as well as emotional distress manifesting as nervousness, anxiety, and depression.
The plaintiffs argue that the defendants—Century Arms Townhomes LLC; Century Town Homes Association; Clairton Community Properties LLC; City of Clairton; Dark House LLC; Dark Horse Properties LLC; and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)—were aware or should have been aware of these dangerous conditions but failed to take appropriate measures to remedy them or warn pedestrians. "Defendants failed to take any steps to eliminate the hazard," states the complaint. This alleged negligence is said to have resulted in not only physical injuries but also significant financial burdens due to medical expenses and loss of income.
The plaintiffs are seeking judgment for damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits for compulsory arbitration. They request compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, future medical procedures if necessary, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, Robyn Dildy-Colburn seeks damages for loss of consortium due to her husband's incapacitation.
Representing the plaintiffs is Chad P. Shannon from Friday & Cox LLC.