In a case captioned “Chelsea Doerr v. 19 Buffet, Inc.”, held in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Cape May County under Docket No. CPM-L-132-20 a defense verdict was rendered today after a three-day trial which began on December 5, 2022. The matter arose from a slip and fall that occurred at the 19 Buffet, located at 3174 Rt. 9, Rio Grande, New Jersey on June 8, 2019. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before rendering the verdict in favor of the defendant, having found that plaintiff did not prove liability as to 19 Buffet, Inc. In the matter, plaintiff Chelsea Doerr was represented by Harry Gosnear, Esquire and Edward Costello, Esquire of Simon & Simon, P.C., Camden, New Jersey.
At trial, the defense called David Anapolle, M.D. as its medical expert and Joseph B. Mills, P.E. as its liability expert. Plaintiff utilized Andrew Glass, M.D. as her medical expert. Although plaintiff had named Robert Loderstedt as a liability expert, Mr. Loderstedt did not testify at trial.
Plaintiff Chelsea Doerr was claiming injuries to her low back which she alleges necessitated chiropractic care, physical therapy and lumbar nerve root ablations. The defense contended that Ms. Doerr had suffered from low back pain dating back as far as 10 years before the June 8, 2018 slip and fall.
The trial was held before James H. Pickering, Jr., J.S.C. Eight jurors were selected, two were designated as alternates. The jury verdict was unanimous (6-0) in favor of the defendant and against plaintiff.
