A simple trip to the store can go horribly wrong when businesses ignore known dangers. Linda Taylor, a 63-year-old woman, experienced this firsthand when a shopping trip to Dollar General on July 4th, 2017, left her with a serious injury. Her case highlights the importance of holding businesses accountable for preventable accidents.
A Pattern of Negligence: The Ice Machine Problem
Linda entered the store needing a few makeup items for a holiday celebration. While walking past the ice machine, she slipped on water and fell, breaking her kneecap. Tragically, this wasn’t a random incident. Evidence revealed a history of broken ice bags leaking in that exact spot, a hazard that Dollar General ignored instead of addressing properly.
Dollar General’s Attempt to Shift Blame
As expected, Dollar General tried to minimize their own responsibility for Linda’s fall:
- The “Obvious Hazard” Defense: They argued the wet floor and warning cones should have been enough to keep Linda safe.
- “We Did Our Part”: They insisted that their clean-up attempt, even if clearly ineffective, absolved them of further liability.
- Downplaying the Victim: Their experts discounted surveillance footage showing numerous people bumping into the signs, implying Linda was careless.
Justice Prevails: A Substantial Jury Verdict
Determined to fight back, Linda Taylor refused to be bullied. Her legal team meticulously exposed the recurring nature of the hazard and Dollar General’s failure to take meaningful action. The jury sided with Linda, awarding her a $367,635 verdict, which was reduced due to some comparative negligence but still totaled a significant $238,963.
Don’t Let Businesses Get Away With Excuses: Lessons to Learn
Linda’s win sends a strong message to both businesses and those injured by negligence:
- Recurring Dangers = Increased Responsibility: If a store KNOWS about a repeated problem like spills in one spot, basic warning signs aren’t enough. They must fix the cause.
- Your Health History is Your Business: Businesses must fully compensate you for worsening pre-existing conditions. A broken knee is a serious injury regardless of past wear and tear.
- Fight for What’s Right: Companies often deny fault initially. The right legal team will expose their negligence and secure the help you need to move forward.
How Experts Strengthened Linda’s Case
Various specialists played crucial roles in demonstrating Dollar General’s liability:
- Safety Engineers: They explained how the ice machine’s location made spills likely and suggested safer alternatives the store could have implemented.
- Orthopedic Surgeons: Doctors testified that Linda’s surgery and future knee replacement were directly caused by the fall, challenging attempts to blame prior health issues.
- Retail Standards Specialists: They highlighted how Dollar General’s clean-up methods fell far short of industry standards for keeping customers safe.
Injured at a Dollar General or Other Store? We’re Here to Fight for You
Slip and fall accidents can have a lasting impact on your life, causing painful injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress. If you’ve been hurt due to a store’s negligence, don’t let them deny their responsibility or intimidate you into accepting a low settlement.
At Markosyan Law, we have a proven track record of winning cases against stores, parking lots, and other businesses that fail to keep their premises safe. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. You deserve justice, and we’ll ensure your rights are protected.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information, not legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact Markosyan Law for personalized guidance on your situation.
Reference: Original source
