Case Background
Madeline Machin filed a negligence lawsuit in Orange County, Florida, against JPMorgan Chase Bank and an unidentified employee. On June 14, 2019, she visited the Chase Bank branch at 8184 Lee Vista Boulevard as an account holder and invitee. The teller stations in the branch used roll-up metal security devices. During her visit, one such device allegedly caused the incident that led to her injuries.
Cause
According to the complaint, after completing her transaction, a Chase Bank employee—referred to as John Doe—negligently triggered the roll-up metal security screen. While still at the counter, Machin was struck on the head and neck by the device. She claimed the employee activated the equipment carelessly and that the bank was responsible for this unsafe action. The lawsuit further stated the employee was acting within the scope of employment when the incident occurred.
Injury
Machin suffered physical injuries to her head and neck. The complaint listed pain, disfigurement, mental anguish, and disability. It also referenced ongoing medical treatment, a reduced capacity for enjoying life, and limitations in daily functioning. The injuries reportedly caused her to lose earnings and diminished her future ability to work. These losses, according to the lawsuit, were either permanent or continuing.
Damages
Machin sought damages exceeding $30,000. Her claims included compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income, and emotional harm. She also requested damages for medical expenses and the long-term effects of her injuries. The complaint asked for judgment, interest, legal costs, and any other relief the court deemed appropriate.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Madeline Machin
Counsel for Plaintiff: Mark Patterson
Defendant(s): JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. d/b/a Chase Bank
Counsel for Defendant: Caroline D’Alessio
Claims
The lawsuit included two negligence counts. Count I held Chase Bank vicariously liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Count II asserted direct negligence by the employee, John Doe. In both counts, Machin demanded a jury trial and full compensation for her injuries and losses.
Defense
JP Morgan Chase Bank denied all allegations of negligence and liability in response to Madeline Machin’s complaint. The bank claimed it lacked knowledge about the alleged incident and denied that any of its actions caused the plaintiff’s injuries. It also argued that the metal security device was an open and obvious condition, and asserted that the plaintiff failed to exercise reasonable care for her own safety.
In its affirmative defenses, JP Morgan Chase raised multiple legal arguments, including third-party fault, comparative negligence, lack of proximate cause, and the presence of an unforeseeable intervening cause. The bank also claimed that it had no notice or knowledge of the alleged defect, and that the plaintiff’s injuries were either unrelated or exaggerated. Furthermore, it asserted that any potential damages should be reduced due to the plaintiff’s failure to mitigate harm, set-offs from collateral sources, and statutory limitations.
Jury Verdict
On April 12, 2024 the jury awarded Madeline Machin a total of $1,550,256.76 in damages against JPMorgan Chase Bank. The verdict included $304,300.58 for past medical expenses, $327,450.83 for future medical care, $284,752.00 for past pain, suffering, and disfigurement, and $633,753.35 for future pain, suffering, and mental anguish. The substantial award reflects the jury’s recognition of both the economic and non-economic impact of the injuries sustained.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at [email protected]
