Black Ice and Missing Handrail
CSCS represented a tenant renting a basement apartment in Alexandria, Virginia. The exterior stairwell had black ice and lacked a handrail, which the firm reported violated Virginia law. The client slipped while descending and could not catch himself because there was no handrail.
Rotator-Cuff Tear and Disputed Second Surgery
The fall tore the client’s right rotator cuff. The first surgery was unsuccessful, and a second surgery was recommended. The insurer argued that the additional surgery was unnecessary or unrelated to the fall.
Competing Orthopedic Experts at Binding Arbitration
Allan M. Siegel filed suit in Alexandria Circuit Court. The homeowner ultimately admitted fault but disputed the extent of damages. The parties submitted the remaining issues to binding arbitration, where competing orthopedic surgeons testified. After Siegel cross-examined the defense doctor, the arbitrator credited the treating surgeon and awarded $539,462.
Case Result Summary
| Award | $539,462 |
| Case type | Premises liability / slip and fall |
| Location | Alexandria, Virginia |
| Attorney | Allan M. Siegel |
| Injury | Right rotator-cuff tear |
| Liability | Black ice and missing handrail |
| Medical dispute | Need for and causation of second surgery |
| Resolution | Binding arbitration |
