Slip & Fall

Woman Falls on Poorly Maintained Handicap Ramp

Snow Law Firm Settlement: $125,000

Case Description 

Upon existing the VFW building in Vineyard Haven, the claimant descended the wooden handicap ramp leading from the side door to the parking lot and fell because she slipped on the algae/mold that covered the ramp surface.

Legal Issues

Snow Law Firm pursued a Premises Liability Claim based on the discovery that algae/mold was able to accumulate on the ramp surface because the gray paint that had been applied to the surface had become severely worn, leading to a high percentage of exposed unpainted wood for the algae/mold to grow upon. Combined with the water that was on the ramp from recent precipitation, the ramp surface was considered a dangerous condition at the time of the woman’s fall. In addition, a chunk of wood was missing leaving a sizable indent in the ramp and causing the surface to be uneven and hazardous. These conditions of the ramp caused the woman to suffer life-altering injuries.

She incurred a variety of medical expenses from ambulance transportation and emergency room fees to being airlifted from Martha’s Vineyard to a Boston hospital to undergo spine surgery followed by months of physical therapy. She also was unable to work for 13 weeks while she was recovering.

Outcome

A settlement in the amount of $125,000 was awarded.