$1.8 Million Injury Settlement - Slip and Fall Accident

Raleigh Slip and Fall Accident Settlement Result

In 2020, we represented an 84-year-old client who was severely injured and suffered brain injuries after he fell into an open service pit at an auto repair shop. Our team of premises liability attorneys in Raleigh reached a confidential settlement with the auto repair shop franchisor and local franchisee for $1,800,000. Read this client’s positive testimonial and 5-star review of our premises liability lawyers in Raleigh here.

Our client visited the repair shop in May 2019 and fell into an open service pit, hitting his head. He tragically suffered multiple injuries, including a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury.

A subsequent independent evaluation by a Raleigh neuropsychologist determined that the client's fall caused permanent cognitive defects that impact his balance and executive functions. His short-term memory in particular has been significantly impaired. As a result, he has been moved to an assisted living facility and now requires 24/7 memory care. Prior to the incident, the client lived independently at his home and enjoyed gardening and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

As part of the litigation, our personal injury partners, Justin Osborn and Joe Budd, argued that the orientation of the shop floor and lack of adequate warnings violated OSHA and NC DOL regulations.  They also argued that the franchisee failed to follow the franchisor’s safety training and policies, specifically that customers were required to be escorted by staff members while on the bay floor.  Surveillance footage showed our client was unaccompanied when he fell. 

This is just an example of one of the recent results by our Raleigh team of premises liability lawyers. With decades of collective experience, our injury attorneys have helped clients across North Carolina and South Carolina recover millions in damages against insurance companies, large corporations, employers, and the powerful.

Learn more about property accidents and premises liability accidents in North Carolina.