Back in November 2023, Eric Nieto was working on the home of Lisa Vanderpump and her spouse, Ken Todd, when he allegedly fell.
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Two years later, he filed a complaint claiming he sustained severe injuries while using a stairway leading to the basement of the reality star's Beverly Hills house.
Nieto states that the fall in the Vanderpump Rules' star's home caused a severe fracture. However, Vanderpump and Todd, who rose to fame as stars of the Bravo show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, believe they are not responsible for his injuries.
What Happened to the Handyman?
As PEOPLE reports, Nieto claims he lost his balance when his foot became stuck. Court documents state that this happened because of the "dangerous and poorly maintained condition of the stairway."
As he fell, the handyman twisted his ankle, which caused a Maisonneuve-type fracture. Nieto claimed the injuries were severe enough to require surgery, immobilization, and extensive follow-up care. He is asking for $195,000 for pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of earnings, and other fees.
"He continues to suffer pain, functional limitations, and will require further medical treatment," court documents state.
Lisa Vanderpump Denies the Allegations
On July 22, Vanderpump and Todd denied Nieto's allegations. In court documents, the couple is claiming that the handyman was at fault.
The reality stars allege "that if there was any negligence and carelessness contributing to the damages and/or injuries, it was the negligence and carelessness of Plaintiff [Nieto]."
The denial also says that if conditions were "dangerous," they were "open and obvious."
Vanderpump and Todd also allege that Nieto was hired through an independent contractor. Because of this, they are "immune from liability for injuries caused to [Nieto] by the contractor's alleged negligence in performing the work."
The couple is requesting Nieto's filing be dismissed. If it is not, they are requesting a jury trial.
