Even though property owners are supposed to keep their premises as safe as possible for visitors, not all of them do this. In fact, slip-and-fall incidents are common occurrences on many properties in Pennsylvania for this reason. Fortunately, those who are seriously hurt as a result of a property owner’s negligence can pursue financial recoveries in court — just as the injured parties did in the following real slip-and-fall accident case examples:
(1) Blinded man awarded $4 million after falling on sidewalk
In one example of a slip-and-fall accident case, a jury agreed to award a man $4 million in damages after he fell on an unmarked step. The step was on a sidewalk that was otherwise flat and there were no warning signs to indicate the step. The man, who was already blind in one eye, hit a chair with his other eye and that left him completely blinded.
(2) Comedian received a $1.3 million award after getting hurt in a casino-related injury
Another man fell while at the Las Vegas casino, the Bellagio. The jury found the casino to be liable for onstage wiring that left the comedian entangled, causing him to suffer tendon damage in a fall. The compensation was for the man’s lost income.
(3) A paralyzed student received $11.6 million in damages
In another case, a woman fell through a fourth-floor skylight at a residence off campus from the University of Pennsylvania. Falling left the woman paralyzed. She ultimately received a settlement from the owners of the building.
In all three of the above cases, the plaintiffs successfully navigated their personal injury claims in a way that brought them favorable financial compensation. Although every case is different, courts do tend to hold property owners financially responsible when their negligence — and unreasonable failure to maintain safe premises — results in serious injuries to property visitors. If you feel that you might have a premises liability case, make sure that you fully investigate the details of your case in the context of Pennsylvania personal injury law.
