Gray•Duffy Obtains Defense Verdict in Slip and Fall Lawsuit

September 2009

Overview

Michelle Sepich successfully achieved a defense verdict after a month long jury trial for a hospitality client. Resulting out of a slip and fall lawsuit, Ms. Sepich was able to prove that neither defendant did anything that caused or created a slippery condition resulting in the plaintiff’s fall.

Discussion

Mila Hale v. Hyatt Regency La Jolla, et al.

This matter arose out of a slip and fall that occurred on April 24, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla (“Hyatt”) located in San Diego, California. Plaintiff claimed that as she exited an elevator, she slipped on the marble floor and sustained injuries to her ankle and knee injury. Plaintiff underwent an ankle surgery which she alleged resulted in her foot being permanently swollen. She also sustained a knee injury which required surgery. Plaintiff was injured while working, and thus she also had a Workers’ Compensation claim.

The Complaint was filed on December 13, 2007. The defendants included Hyatt Regency La Jolla and Good Neighbor Services, LLC dba GNS Management Company (“GNS”). GNS was a nighttime cleaning company that performed cleaning services within the hotel. The Hartford, the Plaintiff’s employer’s worker’s compensation carrier, intervened in the case seeking reimbursement of the medical bills and related expenses paid on behalf of and to the Plaintiff. During the litigation, a §998 Offer to Compromise was served by the Plaintiff on GNS in the sum of $220,000. No settlement offers were made by GNS at anytime. A mediation was not held.

Trial began in August 2009 and was completed on September 24, 2009. The jury rendered a verdict in favor of both defendants. The jury did not believe that either defendant did anything that caused and/or created a slippery condition on the marble floor resulting in the Plaintiff’s fall.

Those who suffer injuries after an incident in Hollywood, FL, may find it beneficial to have Florida slip and fall accident lawyers onside for legal representation.

Please Note: This article is necessarily general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice with respect to any particular case. Readers should consult with an attorney before taking any action affecting their interests.