The Incident
Diana Buchanan, our client, suffered a devastating slip-and-fall accident at a gas station. After walking to the bathroom on a floor that appeared completely dry, Ms. Buchanan exited the bathroom to find the floor unexpectedly wet from mopping conducted by the store employees. The wet floor caused her to slip and fall, resulting in severe injuries, including the need for a left knee replacement and subsequent surgery on her left ankle.
Unique Case Challenges
The gas station employees and their legal team contested liability throughout the case. The defense centered their argument on the presence of a caution wet floor sign located near the entrance of the store. They presented video evidence repeatedly during the trial to show that Ms. Buchanan walked within a few feet of the sign as she entered the store. While Ms. Buchanan admitted that she must have seen the sign, she testified that it was irrelevant because the floor was completely dry when she walked to the bathroom, giving her no reason to expect a hazard upon her return.
During our investigation, we discovered that the gas station employees failed to follow their own policies and procedures regarding mopping the floors. This negligence created a dangerous condition that directly led to Ms. Buchanan’s fall and subsequent injuries.
How We Built Our Case
Our team conducted a thorough investigation into the gas station’s practices, uncovering critical evidence that the employees neglected their safety protocols. This evidence was key in demonstrating the gas station’s liability.
To better understand the case’s value and the perspectives of potential jurors, we conducted an electronic mock jury focus group. The focus group overwhelmingly found the gas station employees liable for failing to follow their own policies, and the results provided valuable insights into how to present the case at trial.
Prior to trial, the defense offered a settlement of $175,000, which we turned down because it did not adequately compensate Ms. Buchanan for her injuries and the life-altering impact of the accident. Confident in our evidence and preparation, we proceeded to trial.
The Outcome
Over the course of a three-day jury trial, our attorneys presented compelling evidence and expert testimony to prove that the gas station employees were negligent in maintaining a safe environment for customers. Despite the defense’s focus on the wet floor sign, the jury found the defendant 70% at fault for the accident.
The jury awarded Ms. Buchanan $600,000 in damages, reflecting the severity of her slip-and-fall accident at the gas station. After the allocation of fault, Ms. Buchanan received a total of $600,000, a far greater amount than the initial settlement offer.
Client Impact and Recovery
This verdict provided Ms. Buchanan with the financial resources she needed to cover her medical expenses, including the knee replacement and ankle surgery, as well as compensation for her pain and suffering. Beyond the financial recovery, this case served as a clear message that businesses must prioritize customer safety and follow their own procedures to prevent avoidable accidents.
How Cantor Injury Law Can Help You
At Cantor Injury Law, we have the experience, determination, and resources to take on even the most challenging cases. Whether through meticulous investigations, innovative tools like mock jury focus groups, or relentless courtroom advocacy, we fight to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t settle for less. Contact Cantor Injury Law for a free consultation. We will fight tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
