It is the responsibility of a New York business to protect its customers and guests from injury. This means that a business should be checking on a regular basis for any type of dangerous property condition such as items lying on the floor, overhanging obstacles or any other kind of unsafe situation. Slip-and-fall accidents can render victims with severe injuries that result in permanent damage, preventing them from working and enjoying the life they used to have. When this happens, one way that they can obtain compensation is by pursuing the business in a court of law.
Wal-Mart has had several lawsuits filed against it for injuries suffered in slip-and-fall accidents that have occurred in locations throughout the U.S. One victim required three surgeries on her spine after she slipped on grease and ice while making a delivery to a store location when the accident happened; Wal-Mart was told to pay $10 million.
Another victim, a beverage distributor, took the company to court after he tore the tendon in his right bicep in a slip-and-fall accident in 2011. The injury, which resulted in a permanent deformity, generated medical expenses of over $200,000. The court ruled that the store was at fault and made a judgment of over a million dollars.
Businesses should make note of such lawsuits and re-evaluate their safety policies to make sure that they are doing everything they should be doing to prevent unnecessary injuries. If more emphasis is placed on creating a safe environment, these kinds of accidents would be less likely to happen. For people injured as the result of a wet floor or other dangers, they may want to discuss their case with an attorney.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Tom Papakalodoukas, Florida Man, Wins Walmart Lawsuit After Fall Causes ‘Popeye Deformity’,” Harry Bradford, Feb. 12, 2013