“Ocean County lawsuit claims exposed pipe caused trip-and-fall near Blaine Avenue.”
Seaside Heights, NJ – A Mercer County woman has filed a lawsuit against the Borough of Seaside Heights and a private property owner, alleging a dangerous sidewalk condition caused her to trip and suffer serious injuries.
The complaint, filed March 11 in Ocean County Superior Court, centers on a July 23, 2024 incident near 220 Blaine Avenue. Plaintiff Lucia DeLorenzo-Resch claims she was walking along the sidewalk when she tripped over an exposed pipe near a manhole cover.
According to the filing, the fall resulted in significant and potentially permanent injuries, prompting the legal action against both the municipality and the property owner, Malvaine LLC.
Key Points
- Lawsuit filed against Seaside Heights and property owner over sidewalk fall
- Plaintiff alleges exposed pipe created hazardous condition near Blaine Avenue
- Case seeks damages for serious and permanent injuries
Complaint alleges hazardous condition went unaddressed
The lawsuit claims the defendants failed to properly maintain the sidewalk and allowed a dangerous condition to exist despite having notice of the issue.
“Plaintiff… was caused to trip and fall on an exposed pipe… a dangerous condition,” the complaint states.
It further alleges that both the borough and property owner had a duty to ensure the walkway was safe but failed to inspect, repair, or warn pedestrians about the hazard.
Plaintiff claims lasting injuries and damages
DeLorenzo-Resch asserts she suffered “severe, disabling and permanent injuries,” including loss of normal function and ongoing medical needs as a result of the fall.
The complaint seeks compensatory and general damages, along with costs and other relief. The case also names additional unidentified parties who may be responsible for maintenance or conditions at the site.
No response from the defendants has been filed publicly, and the case is pending in Ocean County court.
