Behind every case is a person whose life was disrupted by someone else’s negligence. At our firm, we see more than just legal files—we see people in need of protection, advocacy, and resolution. While we can’t share specific names or confidential details, we’re proud to highlight the kinds of results we fight for every day.
In this case spotlight, we’ll walk you through a real-world example of how thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and a client-focused approach helped one of our clients achieve a successful outcome in a challenging personal injury claim.
The Incident: A Fall That Changed Everything
Our client, a 48-year-old professional, suffered serious injuries after slipping and falling on an icy sidewalk outside a commercial property. It had snowed the day before, and while other businesses in the area had properly cleared and salted their walkways, this property had failed to do so. There were no warning signs, no attempt to remove the ice, and no maintenance records indicating that any action had been taken.
As a result of the fall, the client sustained a fractured ankle and torn ligaments, requiring surgery and months of physical therapy. The injury left them unable to work for an extended period, impacting not only their health but also their financial stability.
The Challenge: Proving Liability
Slip-and-fall cases can be deceptively complex. Property owners are not automatically responsible for every accident that occurs on their premises. To succeed in a premises liability case, we needed to show that:
- The property owner (or their maintenance company) had a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe.
- They breached that duty by failing to remove or warn about the icy conditions.
- That breach directly caused our client’s injuries.
The defense argued that the icy conditions were “open and obvious,” claiming that the client should have seen the hazard and avoided it. They also claimed that they had “reasonable snow removal protocols” in place.
This is where attention to detail and persistent investigation made all the difference.
Our Strategy: Digging Deeper Than the Surface
We immediately launched a full investigation, which included:
- Obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, which showed that the sidewalk in question remained icy and untreated for more than 24 hours after the snowfall.
- Interviewing witnesses, including employees of neighboring properties who confirmed that no salt or sand had been applied to the area where the fall occurred.
- Requesting maintenance logs and contracts, revealing that the building owner had outsourced snow removal to a third-party contractor—but failed to ensure the work was actually done.
- Bringing in a premises safety expert, who testified that the conditions violated basic industry standards for commercial property maintenance.
We also worked closely with the client’s medical providers to document the extent of the injuries, future treatment needs, and the long-term impact on their ability to work.
The Outcome: A Meaningful Settlement
After months of litigation, and just before trial, the defense agreed to mediation. Armed with strong evidence and expert support, we presented a compelling case showing:
- The property owner’s clear negligence in maintaining a safe environment.
- The real, measurable damages our client endured—medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
- The risk the defendant faced if the case proceeded to trial.
Following intense negotiations, we secured a six-figure settlement that not only covered all medical costs and lost wages but also provided meaningful compensation for the hardship our client endured. Most importantly, it gave them the resources they needed to move forward and regain stability.
Why This Case Matters
This case is a reminder that personal injury litigation isn’t just about legal technicalities—it’s about real people and real consequences. A moment of negligence by a property owner created months of pain, stress, and disruption in our client’s life. Through careful legal work and relentless advocacy, we helped turn that moment into accountability and closure.
It also illustrates an important point: if you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, don’t assume you don’t have a case. Many clients initially feel unsure or blame themselves for what happened. But once the facts are fully uncovered, negligence often becomes clear—and justice becomes possible.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you care about has been injured due to unsafe conditions, a careless driver, or another party’s negligence, it’s worth speaking to an attorney who will take the time to understand your case, investigate thoroughly, and fight for your rights.
Every client matters. Every case matters. And when we take on your case, we take it personally. We recommend Warner & Scheuerman.
