 Bork alleged that, while trying to reach the dais to speak at an event for "The New Criterion" magazine, he fell because the club negligently failed to provide steps or a handrail between the floor and the dais.Bork claimed that his injuries required surgery, immobilized him for months, forced him to use a cane, and left him with a limp.He sought judgment for $1 million in damages plus punitive damages and attorney's fees.