UNH fraternity sued by former student who fell down beer-soaked stairs

By SEAN GOODWIN

Democrat Staff Writer

DURHAM — A University of New Hampshire fraternity is being sued for
negligence regarding an incident where a former student fell down a flight
of stairs "littered with spilled beer and beer cans."

On Jan. 31, 1998, Jillian Wiener, who was a sophomore at UNH at the time,
attended a party at the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity at 2 Stratford Ave. About
11:45 p.m. she slipped and fell down a flight of brick stairs that she
claims were "littered with beer cans and spilled beer," according to court
documents. In the fall, she struck her head on the steps and was knocked
unconscious. She also landed with her arms and legs outstretched, injuring
her arm and elbow. The documents did not specify which arm.

She claims that she has incurred $14,464.66 in medical costs and that she
cannot rest her arm on an arm rest, has difficulty cutting food, and has
been unable to sleep through the night because of arm pain, according to
court documents.

Wiener claims that the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and Cutter Family
Properties, who own the building, were negligent for leaving the steps in
such a dangerous condition.

Both defendants deny this claim saying instead that Wiener failed to
"exercise due care" in protecting herself.

Attorneys for the plaintiff have recommended that she consider a settlement
of $250,000, if offered.



.


Mark Tetreault


_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp