Woman Gets $1.7 Million for Serious Brain Injury

After suffering permanent brain damage, a woman received a $1.7 million settlement from an eatery on Route 33.

Cynthia Vena was dining at Tessara Restaurant when she slipped and fell down the steps near the smoking deck. She was treated for a brain contusion and skull fracture, and was brought back to the hospital several times for resultant surgeries and rehabilitation. Since her slip and fall accident, Vena has been unable to drive a car, walk or leave her home by herself.

The incident, which happened in 2008, shocked friends and coworkers who were attending a party at the restaurant for employer Bohren's Moving and Storage. Vena had stepped outside to speak with a friend when she lost her balance and tumbled off the porch, falling down the stairs. Since the door did not meet code requirements, the restaurant was found to be at fault for the accident.