Many people do not realize that slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, accidents involving a slip and fall account for over 8 million visits to emergency rooms all over the United States each year. Falling is the leading cause of emergency room visits at 21% of all yearly visits. Additionally, half of all accidental deaths in people’s homes are caused by falling. Falls account for 11% of workplace fatalities for men and 5% of on-the-job fatalities for women. Falls are also the leading cause behind workers’ compensation claims as well as the leading cause of occupational injury for those 55 and older. Slip and fall accidents are no laughing matter.
If you or a family member have suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident, it is wise to speak to a New York personal injury attorney. The New York attorneys at Pulvers Thompson have served the greater New York area since 1940. They have helped thousands of clients who have suffered severe personal injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence receive the compensation they deserve. You will notice in the examples below that it is possible to obtain significant compensation for your slip and fall injuries.
Nevada Woman Received a $16.4 Million Verdict in a Nevada Slip and Fall Lawsuit
In one of the most significant slips and fall settlements in modern legal history, a Nevada woman received a 16.4 million dollar verdict in 2016. The woman slipped in a puddle of standing water in the outdoor garden area of a Lowe’s store. Lowe’s did have an orange safety cone near the standing water, and the jury assigned the woman 20% of the liability for the accident. This brought her actual damage amount to around $13 million. After slipping and falling, the woman suffered head injuries with lasting complications.
The Colorado Supreme Court Affirmed a $15 Million Award in a Slip and Fall Case
In 2011, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled to uphold a jury award of 15 million dollars, which was at that time the most significant slip and fall award in the United States. The woman who fell will receive $10 million as Colorado law limits her pain and suffering award to $366,250.
The plaintiff slipped on a grease spill at a Wal-Mart store. As a result of her fall, the plaintiff who is only 41, is no longer to drive a truck and suffers from chronic pain and incontinence. She suffers from emotional distress and bouts of depression as a result of the fall.
In 2016, a Man Who Slipped From an Exam Table Won a $15 Million Award
A Georgia man won a sizeable personal injury award as a result of slipping and falling off on a medical examination table. The man passed out and fell off an exam table at an Emory medical clinic while a medical professional was drawing his blood. The man fractured his neck as a result of the fall and became a quadriplegic. While he can sometimes use crutches, he will continue to use a wheelchair for mobility and suffers from permanent muscle spasticity. He also requires assistance performing self-care. The hospital suggested an award of $4.45 million, the plaintiff asked for an award between $22 and $48.5 million.
Tallahassee Woman Awarded Nearly $2 Million in Slip and Fall Case
Just two weeks ago, a woman who slipped and fell at a convenience store in Tallahassee received a $2 million verdict in her injury lawsuit. The woman was buying sodas in 2016 when she slipped and fell in a puddle of water on the floor of a USA Grocers. The dripping water collected in front of a beer and ice bin and created the puddle.
She outstretched her right hand to catch herself and landed on her tailbone. Since the fall happened, she has needed back, shoulder, neck, and wrist surgery. She underwent surgery to treat carpal tunnel and a rotator cuff injury that happened as a result of the fall. On the day of the fall, her husband took her to the E.R. Doctors discovered two herniated disks, a rotator cuff tear, damage to her wrist, and a lumbar spine injury.
The jury awarded her $1,930,704 which is the largest verdict ever for a slip and fall case in Tallahassee. The plaintiff successfully proved in court that the owner of the store knew about the leaking ice bins. He created an unsafe condition in his store when he did not take reasonable steps to stop the dangerous puddle. Interestingly, the jury did not find the woman comparatively negligent.
A Portland Jury Awarded a $1.6 Million Settlement in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
An 85-year-old man who slipped and fell in a suburban supermarket received a $1.6 million settlement and $1 million in punitive damages in 2016. The older man slipped and fell at a Safeway grocery store and broke his femur as a result of the fall. He suffers from ongoing problems from his broken leg. He cannot hold his great-grandchildren, ride on an airplane to visit family, or weed his garden. Additionally, he will likely need to sell his home because he cannot effectively go up and down the stairs.
Safeway argued that it is $132,000 payment to the plaintiff was adequate and that his continuing problems are a result of his advanced age. The Multnomah County Circuit Court awarded the man $102,000 in therapy and medical expenses, $525,000 for suffering as well as $1 million in punitive damages.
We are Here to Help
Some slip and fall victims obtain sizeable personal injury settlements. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident, you might be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact the skilled New York slip and fall attorneys at Pulvers Thompson to set up and appointment today.
