A couple from Glenolden has filed a civil lawsuit alleging that a dangerous condition involving a broken sewer grate led to severe injuries, raising concerns about public safety and municipal responsibility. The complaint was filed by Raymond Williams and Nancy Williams in the Court of Common Pleas, Delaware County, naming the Township of Darby and unidentified staff or corporations as defendants.
According to the complaint submitted by attorneys from The Curran Firm, P.C., Raymond Williams suffered significant injuries on July 26, 2025, after stepping onto a sewer grate adjacent to 701 Hillcrest Drive in Glenolden. The document states that one of the bars on the grate was missing, creating a large gap. As Mr. Williams exited his vehicle around 6:00 pm that day and walked near the curb to check his parking position, his right foot went through the opening in the grate, causing him to fall into the sewer below.
The filing reports that Mr. Williams was unable to stand or walk unassisted following the incident and required support from his wife to return home. He sought medical treatment at Riddle Memorial Hospital the next day for what are described as serious and permanent injuries to his right leg and knee. Specific injuries listed include “vertical tear through the anterior root of the medial meniscus,” “patellofemoral pain syndrome,” “sprain of the right MCL,” “symptomatic plica,” “17mm multiloculated parameniscal cyst,” “subcutaneous soft tissue edema of the right knee,” as well as abrasions, pain, swelling, loss of motion, difficulty walking and standing, emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation, aggravation of existing conditions, loss of life’s pleasures, past and future medical expenses, among others.
The complaint alleges that at all relevant times, both Township of Darby and unnamed staff or corporate entities were responsible for owning, managing, controlling or maintaining not only this particular sewer grate but also other infrastructure near Hillcrest Drive and Park Drive. It further claims these parties had a duty to keep such premises safe for pedestrians like Mr. Williams but failed in their obligations by allowing hazardous conditions to persist without warning signs or repairs.
“At all times material hereto, Defendants knew, or should have known, that the subject sewer grate that caused Mr. William’s fall was defective,” states paragraph 30 of the complaint. The plaintiffs argue that no warnings were present at the time of Mr. Williams’ fall and assert he did not assume any risk regarding his injuries while lawfully on public property.
The legal filing outlines several allegations against all defendants including failure to maintain safe premises; failure to inspect or repair defective infrastructure; lack of warnings; improper installation or maintenance; inadequate training or hiring practices; absence of reasonable policies for inspection; vicarious liability for actions or omissions by employees or agents; among others.
In addition to Raymond Williams’ personal injury claim (Count I), Nancy Williams is seeking damages for loss of consortium (Count II). She alleges she has been deprived of her husband’s companionship due to his injuries and has suffered economic losses related to his care and treatment.
The plaintiffs request judgment against all defendants “jointly, severally, and/or in the alternative in an amount in excess of the jurisdictional arbitration limit,” along with interest, costs, attorneys’ fees, punitive damages where appropriate under Pennsylvania law.
The case is being handled by attorneys Francis J. Curran Jr., Ryan F. Curran, and Joshua Whitney from The Curran Firm P.C., located at 200 East State Street in Media. The case ID number is not specified in this portion of court documents.
Source: CV2026002744_Raymond_Williams_v_Township_Complaint_Delaware_County_of_Pennsylvania.pdf
