Dangerous conditions can exist anywhere. Miami residents can suffer slip-and-fall incidents at any type of business – even at a jail. One woman slipped and fell at a Texas jail several years ago and was recently awarded more than $353,000 for the injuries she suffered.
The woman was at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility in March 2010. She was walking down a hallway that was freshly mopped. The floor was still wet, and the woman ended up slipping and falling. She injured her head, back legs and right shoulder.
The woman filed a premises liability lawsuit in September 2010, and the case went to trial on Oct. 29. The woman assigned 100 percent negligence to the jail, claiming that there were no signs or other methods used to warn others of the wet floor. The jury agreed and came to a decision just a few days later. The woman was awarded compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and lost wages.
Safety is a key component of any successful business. Cleaning a floor is a regular occurrence in any business, and businesses have an obligation to warn customers and those who set foot on the property of any dangerous conditions that exist on the premises. Slippery surfaces are especially dangerous and can result in liability issues for businesses.
Those who have fallen and suffered injuries on another person’s or business’ premises do have legal options. Falls can result in serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. These injuries can be long-lasting and can result in many years of rehabilitation, medication and even surgeries. Filing a civil claim can help victims recover compensation for these medical bills, which can be very costly. In addition, many victims must take time off of work to recover from these injuries, resulting in lost wages and pain and suffering.
Source:
Southeast Texas Record, “Jefferson Co. hit with $351K verdict in trial over fall at jail” David Yates, Nov. 04, 2013
