Lynn K. Pierce v. Target Corporation

Date: 10-21-2025

Case Number: 25-cv-06110

Judge: Elizabeth A. Wolford

Court: United States District Court for the Western District of New York (Monroe County)

Plaintiff's Attorney:

Defendant's Attorney:

Description: Rochester, New York, personal injury lawyer represented the Plaintiff on a premises liability claim.

This case was filed in the Supreme Court, Monroe County, New York, and was removed to federal court by Target Corporation.

New York premises liability law holds property owners responsible for injuries caused by dangerous conditions on their property, provided they were negligent in maintaining a safe environment. To win a claim, you must prove the owner had a duty of care, breached that duty by knowing or should have known about the hazard, and that this breach directly caused your damages. Examples include slip and falls, negligent security, and accidents from poor maintenance. The victim's status on the property (e.g., invitee, licensee, or trespasser) can affect the duty of care owed.
Key elements of a premises liability claim

Duty of Care:
The property owner owed a legal duty to keep the property safe for visitors.

Breach of Duty:

The owner failed to maintain safe conditions, such as by not fixing a known hazard in a reasonable amount of time.

Causation:

The owner's negligence was the direct cause of the accident and the resulting injuries.

Damages:

The injured party suffered actual, compensable damages, such as medical bills or lost wages.

Factors that determine liability

Visitor Status:

The level of duty owed varies based on whether the person was an invitee (e.g., a customer), licensee (e.g., a guest), or trespasser.

Knowledge of Hazard:

The owner can be held liable if they knew about a dangerous condition or if the condition existed long enough that they "should have known" about it (constructive notice).

Foreseeability:

The owner can be held liable for failing to provide adequate security if crimes on the property were foreseeable.

What can impact your case

Comparative Fault:

A jury can reduce your compensation if they find you were also careless, a concept known as comparative fault.

Evidence:

Gathering evidence such as photos, videos, and witness statements is crucial for proving negligence.

Statute of Limitations:

There is a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In New York, this is generally three years from the date of the accident, but for public property, it is one year and 90 days

Outcome: Settled for an undisclosed sum and dismissed with prejudice.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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