Case Background
On January 19, 2022, Plaintiff Maribel Stevens walked near 606 West Main Street in Norwich, Connecticut. She crossed a parking lot owned and maintained by Defendant Hervis Properties, LLC. While walking across the lot, she stepped on rocks and debris hidden under snow and ice. Her left foot slid forward, causing her to slip and fall.
Cause
Plaintiff alleged the parking lot was dangerous because it was left in a slippery and debris-filled condition. She claimed Hervis Properties failed to clear accumulated snow, ice, and rocks. The company allegedly ignored its duty to maintain the lot in a reasonably safe condition. Plaintiff also asserted the owner failed to salt, sand, or warn of the hazard. She argued the unsafe condition existed long enough that the Defendant should have discovered and corrected it.
Injury
Stevens fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in her left foot. She experienced continuing pain, particularly during outdoor activities and daily living. She reported permanent physical impairment, emotional distress, and mental suffering. Her mobility remained restricted, and she faced an increased risk of further injury to her foot.
Damages
Plaintiff sought fair and reasonable damages. She requested compensation for past and future non-economic damages, including pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. She also demanded recovery for past and future economic damages, such as medical expenses, therapies, and treatments.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Maribel Stevens
Counsel for Plaintiff: Lucas M. Watson
Expert for Plaintiff: Joseph DiFrancesca
Defendant(s): Hervis Properties, LLC
Counsel for Defendant: Cynthia Watts
Claims Asserted
Count I – Negligence: Plaintiff claimed Hervis Properties negligently created or allowed the hazardous condition to persist. She alleged failures in inspection, maintenance, and warnings. Plaintiff sought compensatory damages, costs, and any other relief deemed fair and equitable.
Defense
The Defendant, Hervis Properties, LLC, denied the core allegations of negligence and left many claims to the Plaintiff’s proof for lack of sufficient knowledge. The defense specifically denied that it created or maintained a dangerous parking lot condition.
As a special defense, the Defendant argued that the Plaintiff’s own negligence caused her injuries. They asserted she failed to keep a proper lookout, watch where she was stepping, or take reasonable precautions. They claimed she did not use due care for her own safety under the circumstances, and therefore her recovery should be barred or reduced accordingly.
Jury Verdict
On July 30, 2025, the jury returned a defense verdict in Maribel Stevens v. Hervis Properties, LLC. The panel found that Hervis Properties was not negligent in maintaining the parking lot where Stevens alleged, she slipped and fell, and therefore the Defendant bore no legal responsibility for her injuries or damages. Judgment was entered in favor of the Defendant, with no recovery awarded to the Plaintiff.
