In the fall of 2019, the SF-Marin LRIS received a phone call from a 60-year-old client seeking a trusted attorney. What they were seeking was a way to hold their apartment complex accountable for the life-altering injuries that the client sustained at the complex where her grandchildren resided. The LRIS sought the assistance of Nikolaus W. Reed, a panel member of 11 years with accumulative 14 years representing injured clients. Reed was sympathetic to client’s situation and immediately scheduled a consultation. Reed knew she had a good case, but more importantly, he knew he had a client who was deserving of an attorney not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the defense, and Reed was the perfect match.
The client, a grandmother and a dedicated advocate for young people in the education field, had recently retired after decades of service and was visiting Marin County to spend precious time with her growing grandkids and was looking forward to continuing her advocacy by starting a non-profit to promote access to education. At the time of the accident, the client was walking her grandchildren through the apartment courtyard on their way to the playground.
When the client initially called the LRIS, she was already bedridden for a couple of weeks recovering from a bilateral knee injury that would later result in further medical complications, and in the future could require knee replacements.
Reed investigated the conditions at the apartment complex, and it was clear that the irrigation system’s mismanagement was the culprit for the hazard. Along the concrete pavers, an indistinguishable spot had become slick with algae that grew in an area of sprinkler overspray long overlooked by the complex’s management. As Reed engaged the apartment’s insurance company hoping for a reasonable start he was met with resistance. The defense attempted numerous times to resolve the case in the low $200,000 range. Reed refused to mediate until the offer was $500,000. The defense was unwilling to meet that condition. Reed prepared for trial with photographic evidence from the scene, a compelling animated reenactment that was commissioned, and medical records and expert witness reports outlining permanent injury and residual complications caused by the client’s immobility. Reed’s passionate pursuit of justice for the client prevailed with a settlement of $1.3 million after the pre-mediation condition was met a few months before trial.
Reed knew he had a solid case, even better, a great client. Reflecting on previous experiences, Reed learned that walking away from an unfair offer was an effective tactic when you have facts and character in your favor. Today, the client is doing much better physically, and she is happy with the voice Reed provided her and the final outcome of the case. Results like these bring peace of mind to Reed, who in his private time sails the bay, part of a family tradition that he likes to share with his children.
