Professional Musician Received an $11 Million Award in Her Personal Injury Case
The New York Post reported in November 2019 that acclaimed cellist Jessica Elkhatib received an approximately $11 million award in her personal injury lawsuit against a Scarsdale market and the company responsible for maintaining the safety of the store’s parking lot.
The case, which was filed in Westchester County Supreme Court in 2016, took several years to resolve. During that time, Elkhatib reportedly worked extensively to recover from her injuries and regain her ability to play the cello. According to her attorneys, however, her ability to perform remained significantly impaired.
Cellist Who Slipped and Fell in a Store Parking Lot Suffered Serious Injuries
The lawsuit alleged that Elkhatib slipped on black ice in the parking lot of Balducci’s, a gourmet market located in Scarsdale, New York.
According to reports, the accident caused multiple serious injuries, including:
- An elbow injury
- A fractured right shoulder
- A herniated spinal disc
Her attorney reportedly stated that she became unable to play the cello for more than approximately ten minutes without experiencing numbness, pain, and discomfort.
Musician’s Injuries Allegedly Derailed Her Career
For professional musicians, physical injuries can have devastating consequences. Elkhatib reportedly spent more than 30 years studying and performing cello and also worked as a music teacher and professional performer.
According to published reports, she had performed:
- In Kinky Boots on Broadway
- With Katy Perry
- On a Beyoncé album
- With the America’s Got Talent orchestra
- On Saturday Night Live
- On Late Night with Conan O’Brien
As she reportedly told the New York Post:
“I have been intensely studying the cello since I was ten years old, and having such a devastating injury such as this has completely changed the trajectory of my life.”
Store Owners and Contractors Have a Duty to Maintain Safe Premises
Property owners and others responsible for maintaining premises have a legal duty to keep those areas reasonably safe for visitors and customers.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility for maintaining parking lots and sidewalks may rest with:
- The property owner
- The store owner or tenant
- A snow and ice removal contractor
- A municipality
- Multiple parties acting together
In Elkhatib’s case, liability was reportedly shared between the market owner and the company responsible for snow and ice removal in the parking lot.
The reported jury verdict of approximately $10.9 million included compensation for:
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Past and future lost earnings
- Future medical expenses
If You Slip and Fall in Brooklyn, Contact the Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C.
When property owners, businesses, or contractors fail to properly maintain parking lots, sidewalks, or other premises and someone is injured as a result, the injured party may have the right to pursue a negligence claim.
If you slipped and fell in a parking lot, sidewalk, or commercial property in Brooklyn, contact the Law Office of Irene H. Gabo, P.C. to discuss your legal rights.
Call our Brooklyn personal injury attorney at 800-560-0214 for a free consultation.
Irene H. Gabo is a dedicated personal injury attorney based in Brooklyn, specializing in a wide range of personal injury cases. With over a decade of experience, she has successfully represented thousands of clients who have suffered injuries from motor vehicle accidents, construction incidents, dog bites, and medical malpractice. Known for her expertise and commitment, Ms. Gabo has recovered millions of dollars for her clients, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in Brooklyn, reach out to Irene for a free consultation and expert guidance on your personal injury claim.
