$300,000 Settlement for Slip and Fall

John Molinari represented a 54-year-old man who, in the course of his employment as a caterer, slipped and fell on the rear stairs to a client’s home while setting up for a party. The plaintiff claimed that ice had formed on the steps. As a result of the fall, his injuries included trimalleolar fracture of the right ankle requiring open reduction internal fixation. He also had a subsequent surgery for removal of the screws and hardware.

The defendants argued that they did not give permission to the plaintiff to use the rear exterior stairs and that family members had helped the plaintiff carry in all the supplies through the interior stairs. Defendants filed motions to dismiss the plaintiff’s claim, arguing that they had no duty to maintain the rear steps. The motions were denied and the case settled at mediation for $300,000.