Slip and Fall – $1.9M

This premises liability case arose out of a slip and fall accident that occurred at the defendant’s apartment complex. The plaintiff slipped and fell to the ground twisting and striking her left knee while leaving her cousin’s apartment after a visit.

After the fall, Ms. Doe discovered that algae was growing in the standing water on the sidewalk. The combination of algae and water created a hidden, dangerous condition that caused her to fall. She later learned that the problem had existed for some time. In fact, Ms. Doe’s cousin wrote to apartment management seven months before the fall asking that they investigate and fix the problem. Ms. Doe’s cousin again reported the problem two months prior to the fall.

As a result of the fall, Ms. Doe sustained various orthopedic injuries and had to endure four surgeries. Ms. Doe developed saphenous neuritis (irritation of the saphenous nerve) as a result of inflammation and scar tissue that developed post surgery. To compound matters, Ms. Doe’s saphenous neuritis progressed into Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (“RSD”) and resulting chronic pain. The case settled during mediation despite claims of contributory negligence from the defense.