Feb 26, 2026
A Prince George's County jury has awarded $750,000 to Christine Woods, who was permanently disabled after tripping on hazardous, uneven bricks outside the Hyattsville District Court in June 2022.
Ms. Woods was walking toward the disability ramp in the pedestrian plaza when protruding bricks caught her foot, sending her to the ground. The fall split her lip, knocked out a tooth, injured both knees and her shoulder, and turned manageable back pain into a permanent disability that now requires her to use a cane.
Justly Prudent represented Ms. Woods at trial, presenting evidence that the County failed to inspect, repair, or warn pedestrians about the crumbling brick pavement. After Ms. Woods fell, the bricks were repaired within a month—a tacit admission that the walkway had been dangerous.
Attorney Jordan Howlette asked the jury for $750,000 during closing arguments. The jury deliberated for approximately 15 minutes before awarding exactly that amount.
"No one should be permanently disabled because their local government couldn't be bothered to maintain a sidewalk outside its own courthouse," said Attorney Howlette, the managing attorney of Justly Prudent. "Ms. Woods went to a public building and left with injuries that changed her life forever. This verdict tells Prince George's County, and every municipality, that neglecting basic safety has consequences. We are grateful the jury saw this case for what it was and delivered justice for Ms. Woods in full."
The case highlights a straightforward principle: when a local government controls a public walkway, it has an obligation to keep it safe. Prince George's County failed that obligation, and a jury held it accountable in full.