Slip-and-fall lawsuits against municipalities and other property owners are extremely common in Connecticut, but it’s rare to spot a recognizable name involved in the litigation.
That wasn’t the case in a newly settled lawsuit involving the city of Hartford.
On Monday, Hartford city councilors unanimously approved a $125,000 legal settlement with Connecticut’s Honorary State Troubadour, Nekita Waller.
The state Office of the Arts named Waller to the three-year troubadour position last August. She’s the 17th state resident to hold the post since it was created back in 1991.
Being troubadour isn’t exactly a plum government gig, but it provides local singer-songwriters with additional exposure, as well as a modest stipend of $7,500 over the three years.
Waller’s fall happened more than two years prior to her becoming state troubadour. In Feb. 2016, she slipped on snow or ice while walking on the driveway of a city-owned property in the North End, according to the lawsuit she filed in Aug. 2017.
Waller’s suit claims she suffered injuries “of a severe and permanent nature” to her back, leg and ankle. It also alleges the city was negligent and careless for failing to treat the slippery conditions.
The city leases that property to a local nonprofit, but a lease document attached to the complaint said the city was responsible for common-area maintenance.
Hartford’s attorney argued in court filings that it was Waller who was negligent for not spotting and avoiding the slippery conditions, and failing to use reasonable care. The city also tried to claim governmental immunity pursuant to state law, court records show.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Waller declined comment.
Interestingly, Bronin, himself an attorney who, as mayor, has authority over the city’s strategy in defending or filing lawsuits, performed on stage with Waller and other musicians on May 5, 2018, at Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, with Waller’s lawsuit still active.
Waller’s Twitter account posted a photo of the performance a few weeks later, writing: “@MayorBronin we should go on tour together!”
In a statement Tuesday, Hartford Corporation Counsel Howard Rifkin said “Ms. Waller’s professional background played no role” in the city’s legal strategy.
“Ms. Waller suffered a significant injury and we believe this is a fair settlement,” Rifkin said.
The Superior Court judge presiding over the case recommended the $125,000 settlement amount last month, according to the city.
