Crime Victim Blog

Connecticut Supreme Court Upholds Negligent Security Verdict Against Bar

On November 5, 2013, the Connecticut Supreme Court officially released a decision upholding a $300,000.00 verdict in favor of a plaintiff who was seriously injured in a Connecticut bar.  The plaintiff claimed that the bar was negligent and reckless in the supervision of its premises.  On appeal, the defendant bar claimed that the trial court made several errors at trial and asked the appellate courts to overturn the plaintiff’s verdict.  Among other issues, the bar claimed that the trial court should not have allowed the plaintiff to present testimony from an expert witness and it claimed the court made errors in its jury instructions.  The Connecticut Appellate Court ruled, and the Supreme Court affirmed, that the trial court did not make an error in ruling that the plaintiff’s expert witness possessed more knowledge on the issue of bar security than the average person and that his testimony would be helpful in assisting the jury in making its decision.  The court found that it was not relevant that the expert witness had no formal education, certification or license in the field of bar security.  The appellate courts also ruled that the trial court’s jury instructions were proper and adequately conveyed the legal principles applicable to the case.  If you are interested in having a potential Negligent Security Case reviewed, please contact us for a Free Consultation.

Other Posts