Skokie Attorney Lisa M. Ciharan Obtains 500K Verdict

Skokie, Ill., resident Lisa M. Ciharan, Associate at Anesi, Ozmon, Rodin, Novak & Kohen Ltd. (Anesi Ozmon) obtained a half-million dollar verdict in a premises liability case on behalf of a 68-year-old woman injured in a fall during a family luncheon at a Chicago restaurant, Hash House A Go Go. The Plaintiff was a primary caregiver for her husband who recently suffered a stroke. She is also a full-time intake case manager for an organization that provides rehabilitation, recovery skills training, social skills, and recreation for adults with mental illness.

The Plaintiff was descending the stairs to the basement dining area where she was to be seated for brunch when she encountered a steep, 10.25” stair riser which violated City code. The dangerous and unsafe condition caused her to fall. The Plaintiff suffered a fracture of her right ankle and wrist.

“The law requires stair uniformity in order to promote safety. Our client’s injuries could have been avoided had the Defendant acted with reasonable care to provide a safe premises for their patrons. Individuals and families should be able to expect a safe dining environment when enjoying an outing,” stated Ciharan. “We are pleased that we obtained a verdict that provides compensation to help to restore some sense of normalcy for our client and her family. This injury and the financial and emotional impact could have been avoided.”

Lisa M. Ciharan focuses on zealously advocating on behalf of clients who have suffered injuries or death due to the negligent or careless conduct of others. Ciharan concentrates her practice in the areas of premises liability, vehicular collisions, medical malpractice, and nursing home negligence. She earned her J.D. from DePaul University Law School and holds a B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Sociology from The Ohio State University. Ciharan is a member of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.