Case Background
Leonard Singer lived in Valley Village, California. On January 8, 2024, he visited the premises at 12501 Chandler Boulevard. The property, owned and controlled by 12501 Chandler LLC, included a stairway leading to the building’s entrance. The stairs contained debris and lacked two required handrails. Singer walked toward the entrance when he encountered this hazardous condition.
Cause
Singer alleged that 12501 Chandler LLC failed to properly maintain and inspect the stairway. He claimed the owners allowed debris to cover the stairs, creating a tripping hazard. He further stated the absence of required handrails made the stairs unsafe. According to him, the property owners failed to supervise, eliminate risks, or warn the public. Singer argued the defendants either created the hazard or knowingly allowed it to exist. This alleged negligence formed the basis of the legal dispute.
Injury
Singer tripped and fell on the stairway. The fall caused him bodily injuries requiring medical treatment. He described ongoing pain and suffering from the incident. The injuries disrupted his daily life and limited his activities. He also claimed the fall reduced his ability to work and earn income.
Damages
Singer sought compensation for multiple losses. He claimed medical expenses and hospital costs. He also sought damages for wage loss and loss of earning capacity. In addition, he pursued general damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. He asked the court to award costs of the lawsuit and any further relief deemed fair.
Claims
Singer filed a complaint for personal injury and premises liability.
Count One – Negligence: He alleged the defendants negligently owned, maintained, and operated the premises.
Count Two – Willful Failure to Warn: He argued the defendants failed to warn the public of hazardous conditions on the stairs.
Count Three – Premises Liability: He alleged the property contained a dangerous condition, and the defendants failed to correct or warn about it.
Singer asserted these acts directly caused his injuries and damages.
Defense
12501 Chandler Blvd LLC issued a general denial of all allegations in Leonard Singer’s complaint. The defendant denied liability for any injuries or damages and argued that Singer’s own negligence substantially contributed to his harm.
The Defendant also raised multiple affirmative defenses. These included comparative negligence, assumption of risk, and apportionment of fault to third parties. It argued lack of notice, lack of control over the area, and that the alleged condition was open, obvious, trivial, or insignificant. The defense also claimed third-party conduct caused the incident and alleged that Singer failed to mitigate damages. Ultimately, the Defendant asked the court to dismiss the complaint and award costs in its favor.
Settlement
On May 5, 2025, plaintiff Leonard Singer, through counsel Allan L. Dollison, filed a Notice of Settlement in his case against 12501 Chandler Blvd LLC, confirming an unconditional settlement reached on the same date. The filing stated a request for dismissal would be submitted within 45 days, making upcoming hearings and the June 9, 2025 jury trial unnecessary. Proof of service showed the notice was served by email, due to remote work protocols, by Joaquina M. Garcia of the Law Offices of John C. Ye to defense counsel at O’Brien Law, P.C., representing 12501 Chandler Blvd LLC.
