| In 1998 Shelton Stewart, a 56 year old NYC doorman was headed towards home when he entered a New York Subway Station. As he descended the stairs, Stewart failed to see a pile of pigeon droppings that he noticed earlier in the day, and slipped breaking bones in his neck, a bone in his back, and bruising his spinal cord, among other injuries.
Stewart was helpless for nearly five years because of the fall, eventually seeking compensation from the New York Transit Authority. In trail it was made clear during testimony that the droppings had been there for a long time.
The trail took three weeks, the jury less than a day to award the Stewart 7.67 million in damages, of which he will receive 80 per cent. He was found 20% liable for failing to avoid the poop pile the second time around. New York City Transit, liable for failing to clean-up the droppings.
Its not the first time a pigeon poop slip brought in large earnings. In 2002 an artist in London was awarded 20, 000 pounds after slipping on droppings while walking under a railway bridge. The MTA may plan on appealing the judgment according to Stewart’s legal council.
It should be noted that the New York City Transit Authority has taken steps in recent years to remedy pest bird problems in subway stations. The MTA has hired professionals to install deterrent systems such as shock track and spikes.
When asked what he will do with the money, Shelton said he would like to buy a house, and take his children and grandchild to Disneyworld. |
