Wilson v. Copen

STAHL, Circuit Judge.

In the early morning hours of August 22, 1996, plaintiff-appellant Caroline Wilson injured herself in a fall down a darkened flight of steps in the home of defendant-appellee Pauline Copen. Wilson subsequently brought this diversity action against Copen and Copen’s liability insurer, defendant-appellee Valley Forge Insurance Co. (“Valley Forge”). The complaint alleged that Copen was negligent in failing to warn Wilson of unusual conditions — a narrow landing at the top of the stairs and a hidden light switch — that caused her to fall in the darkness. The complaint further…