A giant home improvement retailer was recently ordered to pay around $13 million to a patron who suffered a brain injury in a slip and fall accident at one of its stores in Nevada. The plaintiff, who is a 38-year old mother of 3, claimed that the accident happened while she was shopping at the outdoor section of the retail store in 2013.
Details of Accident
In her complaint, the plaintiff maintained that she slipped on a slimy liquid substance, which turned out to be standing water apparently spilled while watering plants in the store’s gardening section. The injured woman also alleged that she slipped and fell, hitting her head on the store’s concrete floor. The accident caused her to suffer a fractured skull, hemorrhage to the front region of her brain, permanent loss of her sense of taste and smell as well as balancing issues arising from related brain injury, and frequent headaches.
During the trial, some arguments centered on whether the plaintiff saw the warning cones that the defendant allegedly placed near the standing water. Plaintiff claimed that she did not notice any warning cones.
Ultimately, the jury was convinced that the defendant’s negligence led to the plaintiff’s injuries and awarded her $13.14 million for her medical expenses, lost earnings, and her pain and suffering.
Causes of Brain Injury
Brain injury can occur when blunt force is applied on the head, causing the destruction or deterioration of brain tissue inside the head. This can happen in accidents such as auto collisions, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and slip and fall accidents.
Depending on the severity of the blow, the resulting damage to the brain can lead to serious and permanent damage such as coma, paralysis, loss of certain senses, persistent headaches, memory loss, impaired cognitive functions, and behavioral issues. Any of these injuries may require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation and care that can cost a lot of money. Brain-injured persons may also not be able to perform their usual tasks and may suffer temporary or permanent disability.
If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury arising from an accident, it’s best to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney right away about your situation. Your attorney may determine the cause of your accident and the potential liability of certain parties or persons.
In Henderson, Nevada, the David Boehrer Law Firm has nearly a decade of experience in brain injury cases and has helped clients recover the amount of compensation that they legally deserve. Call us today at (702) 750-0750 to speak to one of our friendly attorneys about your case.