Palmer v. Schindler Elevator

Outcome: 7,400,000.00

Description: A 39-year-old legal secretary in the Union Square Building suffered injuries while riding an elevator. The elevator dropped from the thirty-first floor and came to an abrupt halt on the 8th floor. Ms. Palmer suffered fractures including a broken elbow, tibia and fibula of the left leg, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mild traumatic closed head injury. She brought suit against the building owner, the building management company, and the elevator company. Defendants denied liability contending she fell because she was wearing high heels and that the accident was an unforeseeable “act of God.” The defense offer of settlement at the start of trial was $1,450,000. At trial, the jury awarded Ms. Palmer $7,400,000.