Stamford Developer BLT Must Pay $600K In Negligence Lawsuit: Report

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford developer Building and Land Technology must pay $600,000 to a city resident who sustained injuries from slipping and falling on ice in a parking garage almost four years ago, according to the Stamford Advocate.

The Advocate reported that a jury ruled last week that BLT's recklessness contributed to Michael Borkowski's injuries.

On March 5, 2019, Borkowski had returned to Stamford after taking a Metro-North train from New York City, where he visited his son for dinner, a lawsuit first filed in March of 2020 claimed.

Borkowski entered the Gateway Garage through a direct walkway from the Stamford Train station at approximately 10:20 p.m.

The below-ground garage built by BLT is four levels with 1,700 paring spaces at 406-424 Washington Blvd. At the time, BLT was developing the new headquarters for Charter Communications Inc., above the garage.

While walking to his car, Borkowski slipped on an icy area that had formed on the floor of the garage, the lawsuit claimed. Borkowski dislocated and fractured his elbow as a result of the fall and needed surgery.

According to the lawsuit, the top of the garage was not waterproofed properly. This allowed water to flow from the top level down through expansion joints.

Materials from Borkowski's lawyer claimed that BLT had prior knowledge of the water dripping down and the potential for puddles to freeze, the Advocate said.

Borkowski had originally asked for at least $15,000 in damages, his initial complaint shows.

The lawsuit claimed the injuries caused "pain and suffering, mental anxiety, discomfort, limitation of activities, loss of life's enjoyment, mental distress and depression, and disability and loss of income."

According to an order from Judge William F. Clark, BLT has until Feb. 24 to file a response.

Read more from the Stamford Advocate.