Case Background
On January 8, 2020, Amos H. Wise set out on a routine walk along Howard Avenue in Bridgeport. It was a winter evening, just before 7 p.m., when the city’s sidewalks usually carried foot traffic from residents heading to stores or buses. Wise, a long time Bridgeport resident, walked past 706 Howard Avenue when his foot caught on a raised edge of pavement. The sidewalk had an uneven surface with a lip that jutted up from one concrete slab to the next.
The hazard sent Wise forward, causing him to fall hard on the ground. What began as an ordinary errand turned into a painful event that left him injured. In the weeks that followed, Wise sought medical treatment and soon decided that the city should be held responsible. His lawsuit argued that Bridgeport had failed in its duty to keep public sidewalks safe for pedestrians.
Cause
Wise blamed the fall on the city’s neglect. He argued that the sidewalk was defective and unsafe, and that city workers either knew or should have known about the condition. He said the city had not properly inspected or repaired the area, nor had it put up warnings or barriers.
His complaint pointed to multiple failures. The city had not marked the uneven section, had not taken steps to correct it, and had not created a system to monitor and repair sidewalks before they reached dangerous conditions. Wise stressed that the city bore a clear duty under Connecticut law to maintain safe passage for its citizens, and its failure directly caused his accident.
The city, however, pushed back. In its response, it admitted only some background details but denied the key allegations. Bridgeport insisted it lacked enough knowledge to confirm much of Wise’s account. Its attorneys argued that the Plaintiff carried the burden of proof, and they were prepared to challenge both his version of events and the link between the fall and his injuries.
Injury
Wise’s fall did not result in minor scrapes. Medical examinations showed significant trauma. He suffered a torn right shoulder labrum, a rotator cuff tear, and subacromial impingement. His left knee sustained a contusion and hematoma. He also experienced lasting pain that interfered with his daily life.
Doctors warned that some of these conditions might be permanent. Wise reported difficulty moving his shoulder, ongoing discomfort, and the emotional toll of a painful recovery. His injuries restricted his ability to take part in recreational and social activities. Tasks that once came easily became harder, leaving him frustrated and limited.
Damages
Wise’s lawsuit claimed a range of losses. He sought compensation for hospital visits, x-rays, medication, physical therapy, and surgery. He said he faced future expenses for ongoing treatment. The injuries not only brought medical bills but also disrupted his daily life.
He argued that he lost the ability to enjoy routine activities and suffered physically and emotionally. By law, the city could be held liable for both economic damages, like medical costs, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. His claim demanded more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Amos H. Wise
· Counsel for Plaintiff: Arthur C. Laske III
· Experts for Plaintiff: Douglas A. Fisher
Defendant: City of Bridgeport
· Counsel for Defendant: Lawrence A. Ouellette Jr
· Expert for Defendant: Frances Ortiz | Dante A. Brittis | Charis Willard Keane
Claims
Wise claimed that the city had failed to inspect, repair, or warn about the sidewalk’s dangerous condition. He cited Connecticut General Statutes 13a-149, which holds municipalities responsible for defective roads and sidewalks. Wise argued that Bridgeport had both actual and constructive notice of the defect. He said the city knew or should have known about the uneven sidewalk and failed to fix it.
He also claimed that his fall left him with permanent injuries and ongoing suffering. His complaint emphasized that he had been walking carefully and used due care, placing the fault entirely on the city.
Defense
The city denied negligence. Its attorneys argued that the Plaintiff had not proven the sidewalk was defective in a way that made the city liable. They disputed whether Bridgeport had notice of the hazard and whether Wise’s injuries came from the fall at all.
The defense strategy suggested that even if the sidewalk had an irregularity, the city could not reasonably be expected to know about and repair every defect. They questioned whether Wise’s injuries matched the type of fall he described. By challenging causation, they hoped to weaken his claim for damages.
Jury Verdict
After hearing the evidence, the jury in Bridgeport weighed whether the city bore responsibility. They reviewed interrogatories to decide step by step if Wise had met his burden.
The jury calculated the damages and awarded Wise $49,711.93 in economic damages for medical treatment. They added $65,000 in non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In total, the jury granted him $114,711.93.
The verdict marked a clear win for Wise. After nearly four years of legal back-and-forth, the jury confirmed that the City of Bridgeport had failed in its duty to keep sidewalks safe and was responsible for his injuries.
