Case Background
Ihesha Millington filed a negligence lawsuit against Central Connecticut Associates, LLC and Housing Consultants, LLC in the Superior Court, Judicial District of Hartford. The complaint was filed on May 9, 2023. At the time, Millington resided at 107 Hillcrest Avenue, Apartment M, in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Cause
According to the complaint, on July 13, 2021, Millington was sitting on her couch when a portion of the ceiling collapsed. Sheetrock fell and struck her. Millington alleged that Central Connecticut Associates, as the property owner, failed to maintain the structural integrity and roof of the building and neglected to inspect the ceiling before and after leasing the apartment. She made similar claims of negligence against Housing Consultants, the property’s management company.
Injury
Millington stated that she suffered a cervical sprain, lumbar sprain, and a concussion. She also reported emotional distress and ongoing physical pain that affected her ability to participate in daily activities. According to the complaint, the injuries had a lasting impact on her well-being and may be permanent.
Damages
Millington sought damages exceeding $15,000, including interest and court costs. She claimed substantial medical expenses for treatment, therapy, and medication. In addition, she requested compensation for emotional distress and a diminished quality of life.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Ihesha Millington
Counsel for Plaintiff: Bruce E. Newman
Defendants: Central Connecticut Associates, LLC | Housing Consultants, LLC
Counsel for Defendants: Philip R. Dunn Jr.
Claims
Negligence and Unsafe Conditions
Central Connecticut Associates, LLC owned the apartment, and Housing Consultants, LLC managed the property. Both had a duty to maintain safe conditions but failed to inspect or repair the ceiling before leasing the unit. On July 13, 2021, the ceiling collapsed while Ihesha Millington sat on her couch. Sheetrock fell and struck her. The complaint alleged the defendants neglected basic maintenance and allowed a known hazard to remain.
Failure to Maintain and Inspect
Millington claimed the roof and ceiling had shown warning signs, but the defendants ignored them. They failed to conduct inspections or make repairs that could have prevented the collapse.
Physical and Emotional Harm
Millington suffered cervical and lumbar sprains, a concussion, and ongoing pain. She also experienced emotional distress that disrupted her daily life and well-being.
Monetary Damages
She sought more than $15,000 in damages, including compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and legal costs.
Defense
Central Connecticut Associates, LLC denied any negligence in maintaining Ihesha Millington’s apartment. The company admitted basic facts about the lease and Millington’s tenancy but argued that a reasonable inspection would not have revealed the ceiling defect.
It denied responsibility for the ceiling collapse and rejected allegations of carelessness. For several other claims, the company stated it lacked sufficient information to admit or deny them, placing the burden of proof on the Plaintiff.
The company maintained that it had acted responsibly. It disputed both the cause and severity of Millington’s alleged injuries.
Jury Verdict
On March 26, 2025, the jury ruled in favor of Plaintiff Ihesha Millington in her negligence lawsuit against Central Connecticut Associates, LLC and Housing Consultants, LLC. The jury found both defendants liable for the ceiling collapse in Millington’s apartment and awarded her a total of $16,077.00 in damages.
The breakdown of the award was as follows:
$8,077.00 in economic damages
$8,000.00 in noneconomic damages
The jury assigned equal liability:
Central Connecticut Associates, LLC – 50%
Housing Consultants, LLC – 50%
Judge Vatti presided over the case and accepted the verdict on March 26, 2025. The court entered judgment in accordance with the jury’s findings. No punitive damages were awarded.