On Jan. 25, Anabel Sen’s life changed forever. While the 24-year-old was walking through New York City, Union Square, to be exact, a “heavy wooden lounge chair” collided with her head when it fell from a penthouse above.
She now lives with irreversible brain damage and is seeking legal action against penthouse owner and 76ers co-owner, Michael Rubin and his property company, GR Realty Holdings.
Sen has already undergone three brain surgeries. According to the complaint filed, her injuries are “permanent and debilitating.”
The once-private equity worker has to put her future on hold. She had plans to attend Harvard Medical School in the fall to pursue her Masters.
“We are hoping that she returns to full cognitive abilities,” her lawyer, Benedict Morelli commented. “She suffered a horrific injury. Frankly, she’s lucky to be alive.”
Sen is committed to her recovery process, Morelli told PEOPLE. Her “spirit and optimism are a testament to her character.”
In addition to Rubin and GR Realty, Sen listed “the condominium board, building management company,” and the men leasing the penthouse at the time of the incident, as defendants.
The building was issued a citation and fined $6,250 by the New York City Department of Buildings.
A spokesperson stated that Rubin has not lived in the building for over a year.
“Mr. Rubin and the other defendants should have foreseen the potential for this to occur taken appropriate precautions,” Morelli said. “This doesn’t happen without negligence. It’s not an act of God. I’m going to hold them responsible.”
