Williams v. Melby

699 P.2d 723 (1985)

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Williams v. Melby

Supreme Court of Utah
699 P.2d 723 (1985)

Facts

Williams (plaintiff) leased an apartment owned by Kenneth and Charlotte Melby (defendants). The bedroom in the apartment in question was designed in such a way that the windows protruded into the room. Additionally, the window sill was only twenty-two inches above the floor. One night, Williams woke up abruptly, became disoriented, and stepped out of bed. She argues that due to her disorientation, she stumbled into the window sill, which was at knee level for her, and fell through the window and onto the ground three stories below. Williams is now paralyzed from the waist down as a result. She brought suit against the Melbys, with the trial court ruling in favor of the Melbys on their summary judgment motion. Williams petitioned for certiorari to the Supreme Court of Utah.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Stewart, J.)

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