RRB Wins Bench Trial: Defense Victory for Property Owner Facing $1M+ Personal Injury Claim

in News by Stephen Raucher

 

In a decisive bench trial, Partner Steve Raucher of Reuben Raucher & Blum secured a favorable judgment for a commercial property owner facing a significant personal injury claim. The plaintiff, hired by an unlicensed handyman to assist with debris removal, sustained injuries from a fall off a ladder and sought over $1 million in damages.

Given the handyman’s unlicensed status, the plaintiff argued that the property owner should be held liable as a statutory employer, making the owner responsible for the injuries. However, RRB successfully proved the handyman exemption applied, as the total contract price was less than $500—a key factor in shielding the property owner from liability.

This win protected the client from substantial financial exposure and preserved insurance coverage for the dispute.