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An owner of a property or business owes a duty to inspect and maintain it in order to avoid injuring people who are customers or just visiting. The owner is also responsible to supervise and secure the property in order to protect those who lease or are invited onto the property. If you are a tenant, visitor or customer injured from a fall, falsely arrested, or assaulted by an employee or a stranger, call us. We will be glad to review the facts with you.
Defective parking lot results in a one million dollar verdict
Our client was shopping at Home Depot. As she was pushing her cart containing purchases and her two-year-old child, it struck a raised manhole cover which was obscured by water. The water came from a hose used to water outside plants located in the parking lot just adjacent to the manhole cover. The plaintiff fell, striking her knee, as she tried to catch her daughter who was falling from the cart. She sustained chondromalacia of the knee which required arthroscopic surgery. Our client's physician testified that she would need future surgery. The defendant presented three witnesses at trial who testified that the manhole cover was not covered by water and that, in any event, water from the hose would not extend to the manhole area. In addition, they retained a physician who testified at trial that our client's injuries were unrelated to the accident and did not require any future care. The case was tried and resulted in a verdict in the amount of $1 million.
Customer falls in hole at loading dock
In the evening hours, our client purchased a piece of furniture which had to be picked up at a loading dock. As he presented his receipt, he fell on a broken portion of the pavement. We alleged that there was improper lighting and signage. Through investigation we were able to locate a witness who was present at the time of the accident and verified the lack of lighting.
Our client was ultimately diagnosed with a fracture of his right ankle and meniscus tear of his right knee. His right ankle was placed in a cast and his knee eventually required surgery. In addition, our client was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff which did not require any surgery. The defendant contested not only the manner in which this accident occurred but the extent of the injuries. The case ultimately settled for $475,000.
Collapsed fence causes injuries
Our client was walking on a sidewalk when a construction fence collapsed on his ankle causing a severe fracture of his right ankle. Suit was brought against the general and subcontractors. The case was contested by all the defendants. However, after extensive discovery we were able to establish liability against all of the defendants. After lengthy court mediation the case settled for $450,000 with each party contributing to the settlement.
Unsafe Playground Equipment Causes Injury to Child
A 13-year-old boy fell from the top of a wobbly jungle gym at a City-owned playground. The equipment which was installed by a local civic group had been improperly anchored. The city failed to check the jungle gym after its installation.
Our playground expert was ready to testify that not only was the jungle gym improperly anchored and unsafe but that the ground was not adequately cushioned to prevent injury to children who would fall.
Our client developed permanent scarring and weakness in his leg. His orthopedic surgeon testified at deposition that the leg injury was caused by impact with the hard surface. The case settled on the first day of trial for $250,000.
Raised floor mat causes customer to fall
Our 67-year-old client had just entered a bank to make a deposit. She was the first person waiting in line to enter the bank that morning. As she walked into the bank she tripped over a turned up mat directly in front of the entrance. Our client sustained permanent injuries to her knee. The bank contested the case, presenting evidence that the mat was safe and that our client was not watching where she was walking. A Philadelphia jury found in favor of the plaintiff in the amount of $225,000.
Elevator accident results in plaintiff's verdict
While our client was in an elevator carrying boxes weighing approximately 40 pounds, the elevator suddenly descended. It jerked and dropped abruptly causing our client to be thrown forcefully to the floor. As a result she sustained a tear of the ligaments of her right knee, cervical sprain and strain and bilateral carpal tunnel injuries. Extensive investigation revealed numerous repair slips showing prior problems with the elevator. Our expert was able to recreate the accident and determine that the defendant's failure to remedy the prior problems was the cause of the accident. The defendants hotly contested their failure to adequately respond to prior complaints and presented expert testimony refuting how the accident occurred. In addition, the defendant had testimony from their examining physician that the knee injury had healed and the other injuries were unrelated to the accident.
After a two day trial an award was rendered for $176,000.
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