Risi v. O'Neill: A Jackson Township man who injured his knee when he slipped on a flight of stairs at a Clifton home agreed to a $650,000 settlement on June 1.

Michael Risi, 60, will receive the settlement from Karen and Thomas O'Neill. Of the total settlement, $206,560 was used to purchase an annuity, bringing the settlement's total value to $750,000.

Risi was working as a chauffeur for Jade Limousine on Feb. 27, 1995, when the accident occurred. He was picking up Karen O'Neill to drive her to Newark International Airport for a business trip. Risi slipped on an icy step and tore his lateral meniscus and his medial meniscus in his left knee.

Risi's injury required three arthroscopic surgeries and a fourth surgical neuroplasty. Risi's attorney, Bennett Robbins, a partner with Hoboken's Baker, Pedersen & Robbins, says that Risi will require a knee replacement and that he has not been able to return to his job as a warehouse distribution manager.

Robbins was prepared to argue that the O'Neills were aware of the icy condition and were negligent for not clearing the steps or warning Risi of the dangerous condition.

The settlement was negotiated with Ellen Best, a technical claims specialist for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. of Boston. The O'Neills were represented by Richard Mahoney, an attorney with the Law Office of Walter Skrod in Paramus.

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