Slip and Fall at Condominium in Boynton Beach, Florida Causes Serious Consequences
Slip and fall accidents can leave elderly victims with a debilitating injury, or even cause their death. There are estimated to be 9 million slip-fall accidents per year in North America.
The elderly victim in this case was a 79 year old married woman who, prior to this horrific accident, was an active adult who enjoyed golfing, swimming and leisurely walks.
One April morning, this lady was walking to the parking lot of the condominium building where she resides. She was proceeding down a freshly painted ramp, leaving from the elevator landing to the parking lot when she slipped on the slick surface ultimately shattering her left leg. It had rained earlier that morning and the ramp had been painted two days prior to the incident. It had been determined that the maintenance individuals who painted the ramp failed to use the needed abrasive additive to prevent the slick surface and this surface was not up to code. Additionally, there were no handrails on either side of the ramp.
As a result of this Florida premises liability accident, this victim was rushed to the emergency room of a nearby hospital where a physician performed an open reduction and fixation of the left femur to include supracondylar hardware and screws with substantial bone graphing. She remained in the hospital under observation for approximately 10 days and was discharged with instructions to undergo physical therapy and to be non-weight bearing during her period of rehabilitation. During the physical therapy and rehabilitation, she required the use of a wheel chair or crutches at all times.
In addition to the fracture to her left femur, this victim also received an injury to her left knee, and due to this knee injury, she was required to undergo a total knee arthroplasty, femoral osteotomy and removal of previous supracondylar hardware. Needless to say, after the most recent procedure she was required to continue her physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Very shortly after this Florida premises liability accident, apparently aware of the negligent error that had been made, the maintenance workers promptly cordoned off the ramp and repainted the surface to include the code compliant abrasive additive and paint texture. Had the ramp surface been painted to code to begin with and handrails provided, this terrible accident would not have occurred and this lady would have continued to be able to enjoy her routine activities, but now may never be able to participate in these activities again.
This injured victim contacted Attorney Richard D. Schuler and requested his assistance in representing her against this condominium and the management company for this facility. Shortly before the trial of this matter was to begin, Mr. Schuler was successful in reaching a settlement in this case with the defendants for $235,000.00.
