Dukes v. Barkdoll

Quist, D.J.

The plaintiff, Pauline Dukes, was a social guest in the home of her daughter and son-in-law, the defendants, Linda L. Barkdoll and Dale M. Barkdoll. At about 3:30 p.m. on October 14, 1978, the plaintiff went to the basement to remove a dress from the clothes dryer and, while walking down the basement staircase, fell, sustaining injuries.

During the week preceding October 14, 1978, the defendants had undertaken renovation of their basement, including removing a part of the bottom step and the entire right-hand wall. In removing the wall, defendants also removed the handrailing which…