Jeanine Pirro is suing Con Edison and the town of Rye, claiming a dangerous construction condition caused her to fall and suffer head injuries last summer.
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The 74-year-old US attorney for Washington, DC, and former judge alleges she was walking near Purchase Street and Library Place in the Westchester County town in August when she tripped over what the lawsuit describes as a protruding construction object.
According to the complaint filed Jan. 8 in Westchester County civil court, Pirro fell over “a large wooden block” sticking out of the roadway.
The lawsuit states that the fall caused significant physical harm, including a painful “contusion to the head” — commonly referred to as brain bruising that can lead to swelling or bleeding — as well as injuries to her “eye, face, and shoulder areas.”
“As a result of defendants’ negligence, Ms. Pirro was confined to bed, required medical attention and treatment, has suffered, and continues to experience pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and economic damages,” the suit states.
Medical experts note that head contusions, particularly in older adults, can require extended monitoring due to potential complications. Though the filing does not detail the length of Pirro’s recovery, it claims the injuries disrupted her daily life and professional responsibilities.
Pirro alleges that both Con Edison and Rye failed to properly maintain or secure the construction site where the accident occurred.
“[It] constituted a hazardous, defective, dangerous, and unsafe condition,” the suit states. “The dangerous condition existed for a sufficient length of time prior to the [fall.]”
The complaint contends that the defendants either knew or should have known about the alleged hazard and failed to correct it in a timely manner. It further argues that the condition posed a foreseeable risk to pedestrians walking in the area.
Pirro, who owns a reported $3.8 million home in Rye, claims the negligence directly led to her injuries and subsequent damages. The lawsuit does not specify the amount of compensation she is seeking.
Pirro did not immediately respond to questions regarding the lawsuit.
Con Edison declined to comment, citing its policy on “pending litigation.”
The town of Rye has not publicly addressed the allegations as of publication.
Construction-related trip-and-fall lawsuits often hinge on whether a hazardous condition was clearly visible, how long it existed, and which party had responsibility for maintaining the site. Legal experts say such cases can take months or even years to resolve, particularly when multiple defendants are involved.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety around active construction zones in suburban communities. Municipalities and utility companies are generally required to implement safeguards such as signage, barriers and regular inspections to prevent injuries.
If the court finds negligence, the case could prompt closer scrutiny of how construction projects are monitored in Westchester County and similar jurisdictions.
For now, the matter will proceed through civil court, where evidence and testimony will determine whether the alleged roadway obstruction constituted legal negligence.
Originally reported by Natalie O'Neill in New York Post.
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