A pedestrian has filed a lawsuit against multiple parties for negligence after suffering severe injuries from a fall on a defective sidewalk. Nakia Johnson, represented by Jared S. Zafran of the Zafran Law Group, filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas, Delaware County, on March 6, 2025. The defendants include Mildred D. Proctor and the Borough of Darby.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on March 22, 2023, when Nakia Johnson was walking along Wycombe Avenue near its intersection with N. 10th Street in Darby, Pennsylvania. Johnson claims she tripped and fell due to an uneven and hazardous sidewalk condition that had been left unaddressed by the defendants. The complaint alleges that this dangerous condition was known or should have been known to the defendants well before the incident occurred. "Defendants had actual notice of the existence of dangerous and defective conditions," states the complaint, accusing them of failing to take necessary measures to rectify these hazards.
Johnson is seeking damages not exceeding $50,000 for her injuries which include severe pain and suffering, permanent impairment of bodily functions, and significant economic losses such as medical expenses and loss of earnings. The complaint outlines multiple counts of negligence against each defendant. It accuses Mildred D. Proctor and others of failing to maintain safe premises by allowing a hazardous sidewalk condition to persist without warning pedestrians or taking corrective action.
The Borough of Darby is also accused under similar allegations with additional claims that it violated specific ordinances related to pedestrian safety as outlined in Pennsylvania statutes. "DARBY failed to act in this instance to correct a known or knowable hazard," reads part of the filing.
The plaintiff's attorney emphasizes that Johnson's injuries were solely due to the negligence and carelessness of all named defendants who are held responsible individually and jointly for their roles in maintaining or controlling the premises where the accident occurred.
Representing Nakia Johnson is Jared S. Zafran from Zafran Law Group while no specific attorneys for the defense are mentioned at this stage. The case is identified under Case ID CV2025002012 with proceedings taking place in Delaware County’s Civil Trial Division.