A legal battle is brewing in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, as a plaintiff seeks justice for injuries allegedly sustained due to negligence at a residential property. On April 23, 2025, Jamila Lane filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas against ST SAI Realty LLC, doing business as Barrington Apartments, along with several unnamed defendants.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on June 5, 2023, when Jamila Lane was injured by a collapsing light fixture while she was in the hallway of her rented apartment at 126 Barrington Road in Upper Darby. The lawsuit claims that the defendants were negligent in maintaining the premises and failed to provide a safe environment for tenants. According to the complaint, "the light fixture violently and without warning collapsed on her head," causing serious and permanent injuries including post-traumatic headaches and cervical disc herniations.
Lane's attorney, Robert Katz of the Law Offices of Robert Katz in Havertown, PA, argues that ST SAI Realty LLC had a duty to maintain and repair the property but failed to do so adequately. The complaint accuses the company of permitting dangerous conditions to exist and failing to warn tenants about potential hazards. It also lists various other acts of negligence such as failing to inspect and repair defects timely and neglecting to erect safeguards around hazardous areas.
In addition to ST SAI Realty LLC, the lawsuit names fictitious defendants John Doe, Jane Doe, and XYZ Companies #1-2. These entities are accused of similar negligence concerning their roles in managing or maintaining the property. Despite efforts to identify these parties through due diligence searches, their identities remain unknown at this time.
Jamila Lane is seeking damages not exceeding $50,000 from each defendant for medical expenses incurred due to her injuries and for ongoing pain and suffering. The complaint details how Lane has been rendered unable to perform daily duties or work due to her condition, resulting in financial losses from diminished earning capacity.
The case underscores issues surrounding premises liability law where property owners or managers can be held accountable for injuries occurring on their properties if they fail to uphold safety standards required by law.
Representing Jamila Lane is attorney Robert Katz from his eponymous law firm based out of Havertown. The case will be presided over by judges within Delaware County's Court system under Case ID D8602344-5EE3-4539-AA20-84B41ADC3F34.