James M. Campbell and Michelle I. Schaffer of Campbell Campbell Edwards & Conroy obtained a summary judgment ruling in the United States District Court District of Massachusetts in a matter involving a negligence claim.

The plaintiff, Michael Eason, reserved a room at the Boston Marriott Burlington Hotel and upon arrival to his room Mr. Eason and his guest opened the door and stepped into a dark room. As Mr. Eason proceeded farther into the room the door closed behind him, leaving the room in darkness. Mr. Eason tripped and fell over a coffee table and sustained injuries.

The court concluded, citing to decisions by other Massachusetts courts, that “traversing unfamiliar terrain in complete darkness [is] an open and obvious danger,” and therefore Marriott did not owe a duty to the plaintiff, view full opinion.

James M. Campbell served as lead trial counsel for Marriott International, Inc., in this case. Michelle I. Schaffer served as co-counsel.