$1,000,000 Verdict - Fall in Market - Tried by Attorney Clifford Blackman

Slip and Fall Accidents
Case Example One

Shopper at Supermarket Injured by Delivery Contractor
Tried by Mr. Blackman

The term “slip and fall” generally refers to situations where a person is injured by slipping, or tripping, and falling due to a dangerous condition on a property. Such falls can happen inside or outside a building, and be caused by any of a number of conditions, including wet floors, poor lighting, structural defects, or hidden hazards. Falls are known to cause catastrophic injuries such as a fractured hip, broken back and head injury.

This particular case is an example of a fall being caused by the negligence of a third party conducting business on the premises. It also illustrates how unique legal and medical issues can arise when an injured party is elderly. The Blackman Legal Group client, an independent, 87 year-old woman, was seriously injured while shopping at Safeway. The incident occurred when an employee of a beverage distributor, who was delivering and shelving products in the aisles of the store, pushed his large load of products around a corner, striking our client and knocking her to the ground. As a result of the fall, our client fractured her hip.

Liability was not an issue at trial, but the amount of her future medical expenses and her general damages for pain and suffering were. Because of our client’s age and the issues which were before the jury, we retained a medical expert specializing in geriatric care. In this case against one of San Francisco’s pre-eminent defense firms, the jury awarded a total of one million dollars for our client. Past medical expenses paid by Medicare were added by stipulation.

As mentioned, cases involving injuries to elderly people can involve unique medical issues. In this particular case, medical illustrations were created for the trial to be an accurate demonstration of the fractures suffered by our client and the manner in which the surgery was done to repair the severe fractures, including the hardware and screws that were used. These images were used during the testimony of the surgeon to help the jury fully understand the serious nature of the injury and the required surgery.

These medical illustrations may be viewed here:

The Blackman Legal Group has extensive experience with claims related to serious injuries as the result of a slip and fall accidents. If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a fall or other accident on someone else’s property, you may have a claim. Feel free to contact us for assistance and advice.