Our client was shopping at a supermarket when she slipped and fell on a pile of ice. According to the claim, the ice had been on the floor for more than 30 minutes without being cleaned up or otherwise addressed by store employees. A fall like that can happen in an instant, but its consequences can last for years.
A catastrophic knee injury
The fall caused a shattered kneecap. The injury required surgery and extensive medical treatment, and it affected her daily life during recovery. A serious knee fracture often means time away from work, repeated medical appointments, physical therapy, and uncertainty about how the joint will function afterward.
Our client’s recovery after surgery was excellent, but the path to that recovery was demanding.
Liability was disputed for years
The supermarket denied responsibility from the start, and liability remained contested throughout the claim. Cases like this often take a long time. The parties must exchange records, gather evidence about the hazard and how long it was present, and prepare for trial. This case went through several years of litigation before it reached a jury.
Taking the case to trial
After the evidence was presented, the jury returned a verdict in favor of our client for $226,462.43. A jury decides a case based on the evidence presented at trial, so this result reflects the jury’s judgment on the facts. Phil Meinkoth led the case for our client through trial.
What this result means for shoppers
Store owners and managers are expected to keep walkways safe, including cleaning up hazards such as ice promptly. Common steps to reduce that risk include warning signs, mats, cones, and regular inspections of high-traffic areas. When a hazard is left in place, a shopper can be seriously hurt, and the injury can change their work, their routines, and their finances for a long time.
Talk to Olson Personal Injury Lawyers about your injury
If you were hurt in a fall at a store, restaurant, or other business, and the owner denies responsibility, you do not have to accept that answer without a review. Our team can look at what happened, explain your options, and help you understand whether a premises liability claim may be possible. Surveillance video, incident reports, photos of the scene, and witness names can disappear quickly, so it helps to act early.
We work on a Zero Fee Guarantee: no win, no fee. Schedule your free consultation today and discuss your case with our legal team. We’ll listen to your story, review your medical records, and explain what your case is worth. (303) 381-2234
Our attorneys are licensed in New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. Every case is different, so contact us to discuss your situation and whether we can help.
