Judge Rules in Favor of Rhode Island in Cliff Walk Case

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced that a Newport County Superior Court jury found in favor of the State of Rhode Island in the personal injury case Simcha Berman v. Laura Sitrin, et al.  The jury deliberated one full day after a six-day trial before Superior Court Justice Stephen P. Nugent. 

The plaintiffs were seeking damages in excess of $30 million dollars against the State related to the injury Mr. Berman suffered in 2000 when visiting Newport’s Cliff Walk.  The jury found that the plaintiff had not proven that the State of Rhode Island was negligent in its responsibilities regarding the Cliff Walk.

 “This was a complicated trial with complex legal issues, and I thank the jury for their time and thoughtful consideration of the facts as presented by the State,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin

Assistant Attorneys General James Lee and Brenda Baum handled the case for the Office of the Attorney General.