Brown v. Racquet Club of Bricktown, 95 N.J. 280, 471 A.2d 25 (1984)
Practice Areas: Appellate Practice, General Liability
Patrons brought action against proprietor to recover for injuries sustained when stairway collapsed. Following judgment on verdict in favor of patrons, proprietor appealed. The Superior Court, Appellate Division, affirmed. On certification, the Supreme Court, Handler, J., held that: (1) doctrine of res ipsa loquitur was applicable; (2) fact that stairway had been defectively constructed did not preclude finding of negligence on part of proprietor in failing to undertake reasonable inspections; but (3) trial court’s instruction on hazardous condition was inadequate.