An elderly woman is suing a property owner for negligence after suffering severe injuries from a fall on their premises. Geraldine Peck filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on September 3, 2024, against Louise M. Meisterling and Robert Meisterling.
The incident occurred on February 23, 2024, when Peck, an 80-year-old resident of Ventura County, visited the defendants' property at 1432 Calle Artigas in Thousand Oaks. According to the complaint, Peck tripped and fell on a step that was poorly lit and exceeded the allowable height by building code standards. The fall resulted in significant injuries: a fractured left clavicle with displacement and angulation, as well as a herniated disc at L4-L5 causing neural foramina stenosis. These injuries necessitate surgery for her clavicle and epidural injections for back pain relief.
Peck's lawsuit alleges that Louise and Robert Meisterling owned, controlled, supervised, inspected, maintained, designed, and constructed the area where she was injured. The complaint states that they failed to keep the premises safe and did not take reasonable steps to repair or warn about the dangerous condition despite having ample time to do so. "Defendants took no steps to correct the dangerous condition," reads one part of the complaint.
The plaintiff also accuses unnamed defendants (Does 1-100) who may have been involved in creating or failing to rectify the hazardous conditions. Peck claims these individuals were responsible for maintaining the property safely but neglected their duties.
Peck seeks general damages according to proof for medical expenses incurred both past and future. She also demands compensation for lost earnings and loss of earning capacity due to her injuries. Additionally, she requests pre- and post-judgment interest along with costs of suit incurred.
Representing Geraldine Peck is attorney Edward J. Seltzer from Chatsworth, California. The case has been assigned Case No.: 2024CUFPO30261 in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County.