Slip and Fall Head Injury — $2.7 Million Settlement

• Case type: Premises liability / slip and fall
• Location: Downtown Shreveport
• Injuries: Head injury and aggravation of pre-existing Chiari malformation

Case Description

The client was walking through a facility in downtown Shreveport when they slipped on water left behind by a mop. Because the facility staff failed to place any wet floor signs, the client had no warning of the hazard. The fall resulted in a head injury that severely worsened a pre-existing Chiari malformation.

Legal Strategy

We focused on medical causation, using expert testimony to prove that while the Chiari malformation was present at birth, the slip and fall was the direct catalyst for the client's debilitating symptoms.

Challenges

The defense argued that the symptoms were solely due to the pre-existing condition. We had to prove the "eggshell plaintiff" rule — that the defendant “takes the plaintiff as they come” and is responsible for the aggravation of a prior condition.

Resolution

The facility admitted fault, and the case settled in mediation for $2,700,000.