Complaint Filed - Docketed on: 07/18/2024 July 17, 2024 (2024)

 
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 Filed 7/17/2024 3:16:55 PM Superior Court of the District of Columbia IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Civil Division GUENET TADESSE 141 Finale Terrace Silver Spring, MD 20901 Plaintiffs, 2024-CAB-004501 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, Case No.: LLC Serve On: Jeffrey Chod 1875 I Street, NW, Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20006 And DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Serve On: D.C. Office of Risk Management 441 4" Street, N.W. Suite 800 South Washington, D.C. 20001 Defendants COMPLAINT COMES NOW Plaintiff, Guenet Tadesse (hereinafter referred to as “Plaintiff’), by andthrough her attorneys, Seann P. Malloy, Esq. and Anaek S. Johal, Esq. and the Malloy Law Offices,LLC, sues Defendants, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, LLC (hereinafter referred to as“Defendant 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, LLC”) and District of Columbia (hereinafterreferred to as “Defendant District of Columbia”) and for reasons therefore states as follows: PARTIESPlaintiff is an adult resident of Montgomery County, Maryland. Defendant 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, LLC is a duly licensed business that owns and operates the building located at 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20015. 3 Defendant District of Columbia is a Federal district that controls and maintains orotherwise employs agents to control and maintain the public sidewalks in the District of Columbia. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 4 Jurisdiction is vested in this Court pursuant to D.C. Code §11-921 (1981 edition). COUNTI Guenet Tadesse v. 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, LLC (Negligence) 5 Paragraphs 1-4 (one through four) are incorporated by referenced as if fully restatedherein. 6. On May 24, 2022, at approximately 9:45 AM, Plaintiff was walking on a publicsidewalk on 5300 Block of Wisconsin Avenue, N.W in Washington, D.C. 20015 at or near itsintersection with Western Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 7 As Plaintiff was walking to on the public sidewalk owned and maintained byDefendant 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, LLC, she tripped and fell on an uneven and poorlymaintained concrete paver. 8 There were no warning signs present at the time of the incident. 9 Plaintiff sustained significant injuries to her person as a result of this fall. 10. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff was a public invitee of the Defendant and wasowed duties including but not limited to:(a) Properly and prudently warning all members of the public walking on the sidewalk that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto; (b) Posting and/or providing proper visible notice available to all members of the public walking on the sidewalk, stating that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto; (c) Properly inspecting the area around the potentially unsafe hazard; (d) Properly maintaining the sidewalk in a safe and prudent manner as to avoid injuries such as that suffered by Plaintiff. (ce) Maintaining a safe environment on the sidewalk for people foreseeably encountering the hazard; (f) Hiring competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who could properly and prudently maintain the safety of the sidewalk; (g) Training competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who could properly and prudently maintain the safety of the sidewalk at all times material hereto; and, (h) Not creating an unnecessary risk of danger to Plaintiff. ll. The injuries and damages stated herein were caused by and were the direct andproximate result of the negligence, willfulness and wantonness of Defendant 5300 WisconsinAvenue NW Owner, LLC, generally and in the following particulars: (a) In failing to properly and prudently warn all members of the public walking on the sidewalk that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto; (b) In failing to post and/or provide proper visible notice available to members of the public walking on the sidewalk, stating that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto;(c) In failing to properly inspect the area around the potentially unsafe hazard; (d) In failing to properly maintain sidewalk in a safe and prudent manner as to avoid injuries such as that suffered by Plaintiff; (e) In failing to maintain a safe environment for people foreseeably encountering the hazard; (f) In failing to hire competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who could properly and prudently maintain the safety of the sidewalk; (g) In failing to train competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who could properly and prudently maintain the safety of the premises at all times material hereto; and, (h) In creating an unnecessary risk of danger to Plaintiff. 12. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, Plaintiff was caused tofall and sustained injury to all parts of her body, suffered and will suffer great pain of body and mind,and incurred and will incur medical and out-of-pocket expenses. WHEREFORE, the premises considered, Plaintiff demands judgment against theDefendant, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, LLC in a sum in excess of ONE HUNDREDTHOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000.00), pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and costs of thissuit. COUNT I Guenet Tadesse v. District of Columbia (Negligence)13. Paragraphs 1-12 (one through twelve) are incorporated by referenced as if fully restatedherein.14. On May 24, 2022, at approximately 9:45 AM, Plaintiff was walking on a publicsidewalk on 5300 Block of Wisconsin Avenue, N.W in Washington, D.C. 20015 at or near itsintersection with Western Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 15. As Plaintiff was walking to on the public sidewalk owned and maintained byDefendant District of Columbia, she tripped and fell on uneven and inadequately maintainedconcrete sidewalk. 16. There were no warning signs. 17. Plaintiff sustained significant injuries to her person as a result of this fall. 18. At all times material hereto, Plaintiff was a public invitee of the Defendant and wasowed duties including but not limited to: (a) Properly and prudently warning all members of the public walking on the sidewalk that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto; (b) Posting and/or providing proper visible notice available to all members of the public walking on the sidewalk, stating that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto; (c) Properly inspecting the area around the potentially unsafe hazard; (d) Properly maintaining the sidewalk in a safe and prudent manner as to avoid injuries such as that suffered by Plaintiff. (ce) Maintaining a safe environment on the sidewalk for people foreseeably encountering the hazard; (f) Hiring competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who could properly and prudently maintain the safety of the sidewalk; (g) Training competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who couldproperly and prudently maintain the safety of the sidewalk at all times material hereto; and, (h) Not creating an unnecessary risk of danger to Plaintiff. 19. The injuries and damages stated herein were caused by and were the direct andproximate result of the negligence, willfulness and wantonness of Defendant District of Columbia,generally and in the following particulars: (a) In failing to properly and prudently warn all members of the public walking on the sidewalk that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto; (b) In failing to post and/or provide proper visible notice available to members of the public walking on the sidewalk, stating that a potentially unsafe hazard existed at all times material hereto; (c) In failing to properly inspect the area around the potentially unsafe hazard; (d) In failing to properly maintain sidewalk in a safe and prudent manner as to avoid injuries such as that suffered by Plaintiff; (e) In failing to maintain a safe environment for people foreseeably encountering the hazard; (f) In failing to hire competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who could properly and prudently maintain the safety of the sidewalk; (g) In failing to train competent and capable agents, servants and/or employees who could properly and prudently maintain the safety of the premises at all times material hereto; and, (h) In creating an unnecessary risk of danger to Plaintiff. 20. As a direct and proximate result of the aforesaid negligence, Plaintiff was caused tofall and sustained injury to all parts of her body, suffered and will suffer great pain of body and mind,and incurred and will incur medical and out-of-pocket expenses. WHEREFORE, the premises considered, Plaintiff demands judgment against theDefendant District of Columbia, in a sum in excess of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS($100,000.00), pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and costs of this suit. Respectfully Submitted, MALLOY LAW OFFICES, LLC By: /s/ Seann Patrick Malloy, Esq. Seann Patrick Malloy, Esq., #490343 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1250 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (p): (202) 464-0727 (£); (888) 607-8691 seann@malloy-law.com /s/ Anaek S. Johal, Esq. Anaek S. Johal, Esq., #1027320 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1250 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (p): (202) 464-0727 (£); (888) 607-8691 anaek@malloy-law.com JURY DEMAND Plaintiffs demand trial by jury on all issues so triable. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Anaek S. Johal, Esq. Anaek S. Johal, Esq., #1027320Superior Court of the District of Columbia CIVIL DIVISION - CIVIL ACTIONS BRANCH INFORMATION SHEET Guenet Tadesse Case Number: Plaintifi(s) vs Date: 07/17/2024 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW Owner, LLC and District of Columbia v | One of the defendants is being sued Defendant(s) in their official capacity. Name: (Please Print) Relationship to Lawsuit Anaek S. Johal, Esq Firm Name: Attorney for Plaintiff Malloy Law Offices, LLC LO Self (Pro Se) Telephone No.: DC Bar No.: (202) 464-0727 oO Other: 1027320 TYPE OF CASE: []Non-Jury Person Jury oO 12 Person Jury Demand: $ 100,000.00 Other: PENDING CASE(S) RELATED TO THE ACTION BEING FILED Case No.: Judge: Calendar #: Case No.: Judge: Calendar #:NATURE OF SUIT: (Check One Box Only)CONTRACT COLLECTION/INS. SUB EMPLOYMENT DISPUTEOo Breach of Contract C1 Debt Collection [Breach of Contract(1 Breach of Warranty [J Insurance Subrogation Di Discrimination[1 Condo/Homeowner Assn. Fees _[] Motion/Application for Judgment by Confession Wage ClaimC1 Contract Enforcement CD Motion/Application Regarding Arbitration Award [_] Whistle BlowerCD Negotiable Instrument CO Wrongful TerminationREAL PROPERTY 7 FRIENDLY suIT1 Condo/Homeowner Assn. Foreclosure [[] Ejectment OD other [HOUSING CODE REGULATIONS1 Declaratory Judgment LZ Eminent Domain oO Quiet Title 0 our tamLZ Drug Related Nuisance Abatement oO Interpleader LC Specific Performance [STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTSADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS AGENCY APPEALD7 Aadministrative Search Warrant LZ Release Mechanics Lien [7 Dangerous Animal Determination[14pp. for Entry of Jgt. Defaulted Compensation Benefits [_] Request for Subpoena C1 nces Residency Appeal(Enter Administrative Order as Judgment MALPRACTICE 1 Merit Personnel Act (OEA)[7 Libel of Information C1 Medical — Other CO Merit Personnel Act (OHR)Master Meter O wrongful Death F Other Agency Appeal[Petition Other (APPLICATION FOR INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN JUDGMENT CV-496/February 2023Information Sheet, ContinuedCIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE TORTDi currency Abuse of ProcessD0 other Assault/BatteryLD Real Property ConversionDD Vehicle False Arrest/Malicious ProsecutionNAME CHANGE/VITAL RECORD AMENDMENT Libel/Slander/DefamationL Birth Certificate Amendment Personal InjuryoO Death Certificate Amendment Toxic MassLD Gender Amendment Wrongful Death (Non-Medical Malpractice)[Name ChangeGENERAL CIVIL Product Liability STATUTORY CLAIMD1 Accounting Request for Liquidation LD Anti - SLAPP[1 Deceit (Misrepresentation) Li writ of Replevin C1 Consumer Protection ActO Fraud (Wrongful Eviction C1 Exploitation of Vulnerable AdultLH tevasion of Privacy CIVIL 1/COMPLEX CIVIL 1 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)D1 Lead Paint D1 Asbestos D1 other[Legal Malpractice MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE TAX SALE FORECLOSURELi Motion/Application Regarding Arbitration Award [Non-Residential 7 Tax Sale Annual [Other - General Civil LiResidentia DD Tax Sale Bid OffVEHICLE [CI TRAFFIC ADJUDICATION APPEALLi Personal Injury[7 Property Damage (REQUEST FOR FOREIGN JUDGMENT /s/ Anaek S. Johal, Esq. (#1027320) 07/17/2024 Filer/Attorney’s Signature Date CV-496/February 2023Superior Court of the District of Columbia ee m CIVIL DIVISION ve ey 8 Civil Actions Branch 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Suite 5000 Washington, D.C. 20001 Telephone: (202) 879-1133 Website: www.dccourts.gov Plaintiff vs. Case Number Defendant SUMMONS To the above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned and required to serve an Answer to the attached Complaint, either personally or through an attorney, within twenty one (21) days after service of this summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you are being sued as an officer or agency of the United States Government or the District of Columbia Government, you have sixty (60) days after service of this summons to serve your Answer. A copy of the Answer must be mailed to the attorney for the plaintiff who is suing you. The attorney’s name and address appear below. If plaintiff has no attorney, a copy of the Answer must be mailed to the plaintiff at the address stated on this Summons. You are also required to file the original Answer with the Court in Suite 5000 at 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays or between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturdays. You may file the original Answer with the Court either before you serve a copy of the Answer on the plaintiff or within seven (7) days after you have served the plaintiff. If you fail to file an Answer, judgment by default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. Clerk of the Court Name of Plaintiffs Attorney By Address Deputy Clerk Date Telephone‘075 HE, WHIT BAK (202) 879-4828 Veuillez appeler au (202) 879-4828 pour une traduction Dé c6 mdt bai dich, hay goi (202) 879-4828 HOS Pet Ale, (202)879-48288 HTML PAMICT FCP APTTTT (202) 879-4828 Lean IMPORTANT: IF YOU FAIL TO FILE AN ANSWER WITHIN THE TIME STATED ABOVE, OR IF, AFTER YOU ANSWER, YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME THE COURT NOTIFIES YOU TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE MONEY DAMAGES OR OTHER RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT. IF THIS OCCURS, YOUR WAGES MAY BE ATTACHED OR WITHHELD OR PERSONAL PROPERTY OR REAL ESTATE YOU OWN MAY BE TAKEN AND SOLD TO PAY THE JUDGMENT. IF YOU INTEND TO OPPOSE THIS ACTION, DO NOT FAIL TO ANSWER WITHIN THE REQUIRED TIME. If you wish to talk to a lawyer and feel that you cannot afford to pay a fee to a lawyer, promptly contact one of the offices of the Legal Aid Society (202-628-1161) or the Neighborhood Legal Services (202-279-5100) for help or come to Suite 5000 at 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., for more information concerning places where you may ask for such help. See reverse side for Spanish translation Vea al dorso la traduccidn al espaiiolCV-3110 [Rev. June 2017] Super. Ct. Civ. R.4TRIBUNAL SUPERIOR DEL DISTRITO DE COLUMBIA Se DIVISION CIVIL Seccién de Acciones Civiles 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Suite 5000, Washington, D.C. 20001 Sy SR S Teléfono: (202) 879-1133 Sitio web: www.dccourts.gov Fog 60° Demandante contra Ntimero de Caso: Demandado CITATORIO Al susodicho Demandado: Por la presente se le cita a comparecer y se le require entregar una Contestacion a la Demanda adjunta, sea en persona o por medio de un abogado, en el plazo de veintitin (21) dias contados después que usted haya recibido este citatorio, excluyendo el dia mismo de la entrega del citatorio. Si usted esta siendo demandado en calidad de oficial o agente del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica o del Gobierno del Distrito de Columbia, tiene usted sesenta (60) dias, contados después que usted haya recibido este citatorio, para entregar su Contestacién. Tiene que enviarle por correo una copia de su Contestacién al abogado de la parte demandante. El nombre y direccién del abogado aparecen al final de este documento. Si el demandado no tiene abogado, tiene que enviarle al demandante una copia de la Contestacién por correo a la direccién que aparece en este Citatorio. A usted también se le require presentar la Contestacion original al Tribunal en la Oficina 5000, sito en 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., entre las 8:30 a.m. y 5:00 p.m., de lunes a viernes 0 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 12:00 del mediodia los sabados. Usted puede presentar la Contestacién original ante el Juez ya sea antes que usted le entregue al demandante una copia de la Contestacién o en el plazo de siete (7) dias de haberle hecho la entrega al demandante. Si usted incumple con presentar una Contestacion, podria dictarse un fallo en rebeldia contra usted para que se haga efectivo el desagravio que se busca en la demanda. SECRETARIO DEL TRIBUNAL Nombre del abogado del Demandante Por: Direccién Subsecretario Fecha Teléfono ‘075 HE, WHIT BAK (202) 879-4828 Veuillez appeler au (202) 879-4828 pour une traduction Dé c6 mot bai hay goi (202) 879-4828 taee> late ITE 202) 879-4828 SSSAMNGo PATICS TCV ATITT (202) 879-4828 Lea IMPORTANTE: SI USTED INCUMPLE CON PRESENTAR UNA CONTESTACION EN EL PLAZO ANTES MENCIONADO O, SI LUEGO DE CONTESTAR, USTED NO COMPARECE CUANDO LE AVISE EL JUZGADO, PODRIA DICTARSE UN FALLO EN REBELDIA CONTRA USTED PARA QUE SE LE COBRE LOS DANOS Y PERJUICIOS U OTRO DESAGRAVIO QUE SE BUSQUE EN LA DEMANDA. SI ESTO OCURRE, PODR{A RETENERSELE SUS INGRESOS, O PODRIA TOMARSELE SUS BIENES PERSONALES O BIENES RAICES Y SER VENDIDOS PARA PAGAR EL FALLO. SI USTED PRETENDE OPONERSE A ESTA ACCION, NO DEJE DE CONTESTAR LA DEMANDA DENTRO DEL PLAZO EXIGIDO. Si desea conversar con un abogado y le parece que no puede pagarle a uno, llame pronto a una de nuestras oficinas del Legal Aid Society (202-628-1161) o el Neighborhood Legal Services (202-279-5100) para pedir ayuda o venga a la Oficina 5000 del 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., para informarse sobre otros lugares donde puede pedirayuda al respecto. Vea al dorso el original en inglés See reverse side for English originalCV-3110 [Rev. June 2017] Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4 

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