In a dramatic legal move, a carpenter has taken action against a prestigious college following an accident that left him with severe injuries. John Nicholson filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on December 18, 2024, against Swarthmore College. The case revolves around an incident where Nicholson claims to have sustained permanent injuries due to the college's negligence in maintaining safe conditions on its campus.
The complaint details how Nicholson, employed by Zebby Sulecki, Inc., was working on a project at Swarthmore College when the accident occurred. On January 17, 2024, while walking towards the Dining Center from his parked vehicle near Sharples Lane at approximately 6:10 A.M., Nicholson was forced to step aside for an oncoming truck. This maneuver led him to slip and fall on snow and ice that had accumulated into hazardous ridges. The fall resulted in a concussion and a torn rotator cuff among other injuries. Nicholson argues that Swarthmore College failed in its duty to ensure safe passage for its business invitees by not adequately addressing these dangerous conditions.
Nicholson's lawsuit accuses Swarthmore College of several acts of negligence. He asserts that the college knew or should have known about the perilous state of Sharples Lane but failed to take necessary actions such as salting or shoveling the area. Furthermore, he claims that there were no sidewalks or alternative pedestrian pathways provided, forcing him and others to walk along potentially treacherous roads. The complaint also alleges violations of local ordinances regarding snow and ice removal.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding arbitration limits for his injuries which required surgical intervention and have caused ongoing pain and suffering. Additionally, Nicholson seeks compensation for lost earnings and impairment of earning capacity due to his inability to perform daily duties and occupational tasks post-accident.
Representing John Nicholson are attorneys David W. Birnbaum and Frank TJ Dillon from Howland Hess Birnbaum law firm. The case has been assigned Case ID 12-20-0004 in Delaware County's court system.