Episode 3: Watch Your Step


SCENE: A SUBDIVISION NEAR ZIA ROAD AND ST. FRANCIS DRIVE. A WOMAN APPROACHES THE DOOR OF A HOUSE. PARTY SOUNDS FILTER OUTSIDE. A YOUNGER WOMAN ANSWERS THE DOOR.

WOMAN

Hello. I've come bearing a gift for this high-school graduation celebration.

YOUNGER WOMAN

Come in!

WOMAN

Thank you. I've never been here before, you know.

THE WOMAN TAKES A FEW STEPS INSIDE THE HOUSE, THEN QUICKLY VANISHES FROM THE FRAME.

WOMAN (OFF-CAMERA)

I've fallen!

SCENE: WOMAN IN HER ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

WOMAN

I have suffered personal injuries, incurred medical expenses and lost income; I have also endured pain, suffering and a loss of enjoyment of life. It's not fair!

The host "had a duty to maintain her premises in a condition safe for the use by visitors." Yet "the elevation change was not marked in any way, and the floor covering was the same both above and below the elevation change. There was no handrail..."

ATTORNEY

Let's sue for damages. After all, if there were warning signs on everything, no one would ever get hurt.

CUT

From the Santa Fe District Court Case of April 7, Barbara Scampone [WOMAN] vs. Betty Bustamante [PARTY HOST].