Slip & Fall Practice

by Charles E. Turnbow

Abbreviated Table of Contents

Part One: Case Evaluation

Chapter 1: In the Beginning

Chapter 2: Premises Liability Law

Chapter 3: Building Codes

Chapter 4: Mechanics of Walking

Chapter 5: Measurements and Testing

Chapter 6: Case Evaluation


Part Two: Litigation

Chapter 7: Pleadings

Chapter 8: Depositions

Chapter 9: Production of Documents, Interrogatories and Inspection Demands

Chapter 10: Selection and Use of Expert Witnesses

Chapter 11: Determining Damages

Chapter 12: Defending a Slip and Fall Case

Chapter 13: Settlement and Arbitration

Chapter 14: Preparing Documents and Evidence for Trial

Chapter 15: The Trial


Part Three: Categories of Cases

Chapter 16: Workplace Falls

Chapter 17: Falls on Public Property

Chapter 18: Falls in Markets

Chapter 19: Falls in Residences

Chapter 20: Falls on Construction Sites

Chapter 21: Falls at Recreational Facilities

Chapter 22: Falls on Ice and Snow

Chapter 23: Falls by the Elderly or Disabled

Chapter 24: Playground Accidents

Table of Authorities

Cases

Index

 

Expanded Table of Contents

Part One: Case Evaluation

Chapter 1: In the Beginning

§100     Introduction

§110     Slip and Fall Elements

§111      Victim

§112      Hazard

§113      Causal Link

§114      Injury

§115      Focus on the Issues

§120     Establishing the Hazard

§121      Getting the Basic Information

§121.1      The Victim

§121.2      The Accident

§121.3      Mechanics of Fall

§121.4      Type of Shoes or Footwear

§130     Documenting the Hazard

§131      Witnesses

§131.1      Paramedics and Other Emergency Personnel

§131.2      Percipient Witnesses

§131.3      Store Personnel

§132      Statements and Reports

§132.1      Client Statements

§132.2      Incident Reports

§132.3      Depose Witnesses for Preservation of Testimony

§133      Physical Evidence

§133.1      Clothing

§133.2      Debris or Other Foreign Material

§134      Photographs

§135      Measurements

§136      General Damages and Non-Medical Specials

§137      Determine the Existence of Building or Safety Codes

§§140 - 150     [Reserved]

§160     Expert Evaluation

§160.1      Consulting With Experts and Other Witnesses

§§170 - 180     [Reserved]

§190     Initial Evaluation Checklist

 

Chapter 2: Premises Liability Law

§200     Introduction

§201      Common Law

§202      Modern Elimination of Categories

Case 1:     Business Invitee

§203      Common Carriers

§210     Burden of Proof

§211      Dangerous Condition

§212      Duty

§212.1      Control of Premises

§212.1.1      Landlord and Tenant

§212.2      Ordinary Care

§212.3      Statutory Duty

§213      Notice

§213.1      Actual Notice

§213.2      Constructive Notice

Case 1:       Box on Floor

Case 2:       Dangerous Plastic

Case 3:       Fallen Banana

Case 4:       Hand Lotion

Case 5:       Slippery Milk

§214      Breach of Duty

§215      Causation

§215.1      Injury Consistent With Hazard

§216      Damages

§216.1      Special Damages

§216.2      General Damages

§216.3      Punitive Damages

§216.4      Evaluation of Damages

§220     Plaintiff’s Status

§221      Trespassing Adults

§222      Trespassing Children

§223      Licensees

§223.1      Duty to Warn

§224      Invitees

§224.1      Knowledge of Dangerous Condition

§224.2      Special Duties

§225      Limited Immunity for Recreational Use of Land

§230     Notice

§231      Actual Notice

§232      Constructive Notice

§232.1      Defendant’s Creation of Hazardous Condition

§232.2      Frequency of Inspections

§232.3      Notice Applies to Plaintiff and Defendant

§232.4      Foreseeability

§233      Duty to Inspect for Hazards Caused by Others

§233.1      Self-Service Retail Stores

§233.2      Mode of Operation

§240     Strict Liability

§241      Landlords

§250     Plaintiff’s Negligence

§251      Contributory Negligence and Comparative Fault

§252      Assumption of Risk

§252.1      The Fireman’s Rule

Case 1:       Liability and Fireman’s Rule

§260     Negligence Per Se

§261      Defense to Negligence Per Se

§262      Did Defect Cause Accident?

§270     Jury Instructions

§280     Government Tort Actions

§281      Public Duty

§281.1      Dangerous Condition

§281.2      Trivial Defect

§281.3      Liability of Abutting Property Owners

§282      Pleading and Practice

§283      [Reserved]

§284      Duty of Municipality to Comply With Federal Mandated Standards

§285      Governmental Immunity

§285.1      Discretionary Immunity

§285.2      Design Immunity

Case 1:       Softball Field

§285.3      Design v. Negligence

Case 2:       Outdated Campus Design

§290     Special Statutory Actions

§291      Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)

§292      The Jones Act

§293      Jurisdiction and Procedural Issues

§294      Federal Employers’ Liability Act or Workers’ Compensation

§295      Respect the Process

 

Chapter 3: Building Codes

§300     Purpose and Use of Building Codes

§301      Application to Existing Buildings

§302      Negligence Per Se

§310     Common Terminology

§320     Model Building Codes

§321      Exits, Exit Access and Exit Discharge

§321.1      Scope and Intent of the International Building Code

§322      Corridors

§323      Elevation Changes

§324      Doors and Thresholds

§325      Stairs

§325.1      Rise and Run

Picture:       Rise and Run Violations

§325.2      Handrails

Picture:       Stairway Without Handrails

Picture:       Stairway With Only One Handrail

§325.3      Stairway Construction

§325.4      Deposition Guidelines for Experts on Stairway Accidents

§326      Ramps and Inclined Walkways

§326.1      Maximum Ramp Slope

§326.2      High Traction Requirements

§330     Exit Lighting

§331      Illuminating Engineering Society

§340     Local and Special Codes

§350     Handicapped Access Standard

§351      Purpose and Scope

§352      Applicability

§353      Definitions

§354      Parking Aisles

§355      Elevation Changes

§356      Ramps

Table:       Allowable Ramp Dimensions for Construction in Existing Sites, Etc.

§357      Stairways

§360     Building Code Checklist

§370     Diagrams and Illustrations

Figure 3.1:       Rise and Run

Figure 3.2:       Safety Tread Designs for Disabled Persons

Figure 3.3:       Ramps

Figure 3.4:       Stairway Features

Figure 3.5:       Handrail Placement

Figure 3.6:       Handrail Cross Section

Figure 3.7:       Light Intensity Diagram

Figure 3.8:       Angle of Ascent

Figure 3.9:       Cone of Vision

§380     Exit Checklists

 

Chapter 4: Mechanics of Walking

§400     Introduction

§410     Human Walking

§411      Bipedal Motion

§412      Cyclic Pattern of Movement

Illustration:      Cyclic Pattern of Movement

§413      Ground Reaction Forces

§413.1      Traction Demand and Utilized Coefficient of Friction

§414      Typical Questions and Answers on Normal Walking Forces Generated During Normal Stride

§415      Phases of the Stride

Illustration:      Phases of Walking

§416      Stair Gait

Illustration:      Phases of the Stride

§420     Gait Analysis

Illustration:       Posterior View of Ankle on Heel Contact

§421      Medial or Lateral Body Shifting

Figure 4.1:      Lateral Movement of the Foot During the Stride

Figure 4.2:      Stringer Elevated Above the Plane of Tread

§422      Speed of Walking

§423      Angle of Impact

Figure 4.3:      Moments of Force During Heel Strike

§424      The Effect of Aging and Physical Impairment

§425      Arm Function

§430     Experiments and Ergonomic Studies on Slipping

§440     Walking Surfaces

§441      Level Surfaces

Picture:     Uneven Stepping Stones

§442      Ramps

§442.1   Side Slopes

Table:       Static Coefficient of Friction for Level Surfaces and Various Gradients

§443      Stairways

Picture:     No Slip Stripes

§444      Curbs and Risers

§445      Wheel Stops

Figure 4.4:      Tire Stop and Standard Parking Stall Dimensions

Picture:           Badly Placed Tire Stop

Picture:           Asphalt in Bad Repair

Figure 4.5:      Handicapped Parking Space

§446      Speed Bumps

Picture:           Speed Bumps With Solid Painting

Picture:           Proper Marking and Delineation

§447      Rough and Uneven Work Surfaces

§450     Balance and Perception

§451      Cone of Vision

§452      Visual Cues or Flags

Figure 4.6:      Contrasts Against Background

Figure 4.7:      NIOSH Contrast Visibility Chart

§452.1      Color Contrast

Picture:       Lack of Contrast

§452.2      Lighting and Illumination

§453      Determining Visibility or Visual Acuity

§453.1   Glare

§454      Spatial Vision and Pattern Perception

§454.1      Defining an Object

§454.2      Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF)

§454.3      Primary Factors That Determine the Visibility of Objects

§454.4      Orientation Edges

§455      Distractions

§455.1      Orientation Edges

§455.2      Geometric Patterns

§455.3      Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic

§455.4      Point-of-Purchase Displays

Picture:     Floor Pattern Hiding Riser

Picture:     Riser Hidden by Tile Pattern and Color

§460     Checklist: Evaluating a Walkway

Picture:  Repaired Walkway

Picture:  Uplifting Tree Roots

 

Chapter 5: Measurements and Testing

§500     Introduction

§510     Coefficient of Friction and Slip Resistance

§511      Commonly Used Measurements

§512      Measurement Techniques

§512.1      Laboratory Testing

§512.2      Field Testing

§512.3      Portable Articulated Strut Tester (PAST)

§512.4      Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Tester (PIAST)

§512.5      English XL Slip Resistance Tester

§512.6      Other Testing Methods

§512.7      American Society for Testing and Material Standard Changes

Picture:       The English XL Variable Incidence Tribometer

§513      Errors in Measurement

Table:       Standard Deviations in Measurement

§514      Correlating Methods

§515      Acceptable Coefficients of Friction

§515.1      Special Requirements

§515.2      Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces

§516      Standard Setting Procedures

Table 516A:     ASTM Standard Methods for Measuring Coefficient of Friction or Slip Resistance

Table 516B:     ASTM Standards for Reporting and Interpreting Data

§517      Typical Questions and Answers Regarding Slip Resistance

§520     Dimensional Measurements

§520.1      Types of Measurement Devices

§521      Stairway Dimensions

§521.1      Treads and Risers

Picture:       Storefront Theater Stairs

Picture:       Rise and Run Violations

Picture:       Sloping Landing

Figure 5.1:  Combination Square

§521.2      Handrails

Picture:       Covered Handrail

§521.3      Headroom

§521.4      Slope

Picture:       Non-Conforming Stairway

§521.5      Single Risers

§522      Ramp Measurement

§522.1      Slope

Figure 5.2:  Ramp Slope

Picture:       Electronic Level

§522.2      Handrails

§522.3      Markings

§523      Typical Questions and Answers

Picture:     School Playground Ramp

§524      Typical Questions and Answers—Single Risers and Thresholds

§530     Lighting

§531      Terminology

§532      Testing Instruments

§533      Acceptable Values of Incident Light

§534      Statutory Standards

§535      Industry Advisory Standards

§536      Glare

Table:       Light Intensity Values

§540     Shoes and Footwear

§541      Coefficient of Friction

§542      Shoe Material

§543      Straps and Construction

§544      Shoe Design

Figure 5.3:      Toe and Heel Spring

Figure 5.4:      Woman’s Shoe Heel

§550     Field Testing Checklist

Sample:  Field Testing Checklist (on CD-ROM)

§560     Expert’s Report

Sample: Liability Evaluation Report

Picture:  Stairs With Missing Baluster

Picture:  Water Damage

Picture:  Urethane Cleavage

Picture:  Unworn Tread

 

Chapter 6: Case Evaluation

§600     Introduction

§610     Elements of Liability

§611      Sufficiency Test

§611.1      The Hazard

§611.2      Duty

§611.3      Breach

§611.4      Causation

§611.5      Damages

§612      Obtainable Facts

§612.1      Witnesses

§612.2      Documentation

§612.3      Discovery

§612.4      Expert Inspections

§613      Credibility of Evidence

§613.1      Bias of Witnesses

§613.2      Hearsay

§613.3      Impeachment Evidence

§620     Proving the Hazard

§620.1      Physical Conditions

§620.2      Recordation and Preservation of Evidence

§620.3      Expert Evaluation

§620.4      Additional Testing

§620.5      Discovery

§630     Duty

§630.1      Common Law

§630.2      Statutory

§630.3      Industry Standards

§630.4      Status of Defendant

§640     Breach

§641      Acts of Omission

§642      Acts of Commission

§643      Evidence Prove the Breach

§643.1      Custom and Practice

§643.2      Time line

§650     Causation

§651      Link Between Breach (Control) and Hazard

§652      Link Between Hazard and Accident

§653      Link Between Accident and Injury

§654      Link Between Injury and Damages

§660     Damages

§661      Type of Injury

§662      Type of Proof

§670     Mechanics of Litigation

§671      Venue

§672      Availability of Witnesses

§673      Co-operation of Party

§674      Jurisdiction

§680     Bottom Line Evaluation

§690     Case Evaluation Checklist

 

Part Two: Litigation

Chapter 7: Pleadings

§700     Introduction

§710     Complaint

§711      Scope and Purpose

§712      Necessary Elements

§712.1      Parties

§712.2      Accident

§712.3      Defendant’s Duty

§712.4      Defendant’s Negligence

§712.5      Injury

§712.6      Damages

§713      Adequacy of Allegations

§720     Answer

§721      Scope and Purpose

§722      Necessary Elements

§722.1      Effective Denials

§722.2      Affirmative Defenses

§723      Answering Other Pleadings

§730     Additional Pleadings

§731      Cross-Complaint

§732      Complaint-in-Intervention

§733      Default Judgment

§734      Demur and Motion to Strike

§740     Sample Pleadings

§741      Complaint

Sample:    Complaint for Damages Arising From Negligence and Strict Liability

§742      Answer

Sample:    Answer With Affirmative Defenses

 

Chapter 8: Depositions

§800     Introduction

§801      Video Depositions

§802      Drawings and Demonstrations

§810     Plaintiff’s Deposition

§811      Accident Facts

§812      Mechanics of Fall

§813      Notice

§814      Visual Warnings

§815      Plaintiff’s Observations

§816      Footwear, Photographs and Clothing

§817      Percipient Witnesses

§818      Floor Plans

§820     Defendant’s Deposition

§821      Inspections

§822      Maintenance

§823      Repairs

§824      Incident Reports

§825      Citations

§826      Prior Accidents

§827      Industry Standards

§830     Witness Depositions

§831      Mechanics and Location of Fall

§832      Witness Observations

§832.1      Debris or Liquid

§832.2      Walkway Conditions

§832.3      Lighting

§832.4      Distractions

§840     Plaintiff’s Expert

§841      Background and Qualifications

§842      Bias

§843      Review of Documents

§844      Field Investigation

§845      Conclusions and Opinions

§850     Defense Expert

§851      Reasonable Propositions

§852      Special Knowledge

§860     Deposition Kit

Illustration:       Floor Plan Sketch (Figure 1)

Illustration:       Placement of Parties (Figure 2)

Sample:  Treating Physician

Sample:  Eye Witness to Accident

Sample:  Defense Expert

Sample:  Plaintiff’s Expert

Sample:  Store Manager

Sample:  Maintenance Personnel

Sample:  Street Superintendent

Sample:  Property Manager

Sample:  Playground Supervisor

Sample:  Playground Maintenance Worker

§870     Notice of Expert Depositions

§871      Short Form—Notice of Deposition and Demand to Produce Documents

§872      Long Form—Notice of Deposition and Demand to Produce Documents

§873      Objections to Notice of Deposition and Production of Documents

 

Chapter 9: Production of Documents, Interrogatories and Inspection Demands

§900     Introduction

§910     Production of Documents

§911      Incident Reports

§912      Plans, Prints and Specifications

§913      Certificate of Occupancy

§914      Property Maintenance Policies

§915      Maintenance Records

§915.1      Training Records

§915.2      Sweep Sheets

§915.3      Stripping and Waxing Records

§916      Photographs

§920     Interrogatories

§921      Timing of Service

§922      Handling Objections

§923      Plaintiff’s Interrogatories

§924      Defendant’s Interrogatories

§924.1      Plaintiff’s Response

§925      Special Interrogatories

§930     Inspection Demands

§930.1      Demand for Production of Documents

§940     Requests for Admissions

§941.1      Derivation

§941.2      Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

§942      Procedures

§942.1      Strategies and Tactics

Case 1:       Hotel Shower

§942.2      Protective Orders and Objections

§942.3      Timing and Limits

§942.4      Format of Requests

§942.5      Coordination with Other Discovery

§950     Sample Discovery

§951      Interrogatories—Plaintiff to Defendant

Sample:    Interrogatories (on CD-ROM)

§952      Short Form Interrogatories

Sample:    Short Form Interrogatories (on CD-ROM)

§953      Notice to Produce

Sample:    Notice to Produce (on CD-ROM)

§953.1      Sample Document List for Production by Retailer (on CD-ROM)

§954      Inspection Demand

Sample:    Demand for Entry on and Inspection of Property (on CD-ROM)

§955      Sample Protective Order (Trade Secrets)

§960     Written Discovery Illustration—Exposed Bolts

Picture:  Exposed Bolt Head

§961      Special Interrogatories

§962      Demand for Production of Documents

§963      Requests for Admissions

 

Chapter 10: Selection and Use of Expert Witnesses

§1000   Selecting Expert

§1000.1     Where to Find Experts

§1001    General Qualifications

§1001.1     Academic Background

§1001.2     Fields of Expertise

§1001.3     Human Factors

§1001.4     Biomechanics

§1002    Practical Industry Experience

§1002.1     Custom and Practice

§1002.2     Knowledge of Construction

§1002.3     Safety Engineering

§1002.4     Ability to Explain Mechanics of Fall

§1003    Basis of Opinion

§1003.1     Photographic Evidence

§1003.2     On-Site Inspections

§1003.3     Statutes and Codes

§1004    Identifying Issues

§1004.1     Understanding Jury Instructions

§1004.2     Burden of Proof

§1004.3     Case Defects

§1005    Expert’s Assistance in Discovery

§1005.1     Production of Documents

§1005.2     Special Interrogatories

§1005.3     Depositions

§1006    Expert as Teacher

§1006.1     Educating Jury

§1006.2     Establishing Duty and Breach

§1007    Expert Selection Checklist

§1008    Disclosure of Expert Testimony

§1010   Expert’s Use at Trial

§1011    Preparing Expert

§1011.1     Pretrial Meeting

§1020   Expert’s File

§1030   Hypothetical Questions

§1040   Qualifying Expert

§1041    Occupation and Education

§1042    Past Experience

§1043    The Daubert Attack

§1050   Establishing Validity of Documents and Photographs

§1060   Obtaining Effective Testimony

§1070   Format of Direct Examination

§1080   Typical Background Questions and Answers

§1081    General Qualifications

§1082    Lack of Bias

§1083    Prior Qualification

§1084    Specialized Knowledge

§1085    Basis of Retention

§1090   Typical Substantive Questions and Answers

§1091    Slippery Surface Falls

§1091.1     Physical Examination of Store

§1091.2     Describing Accident Location

§1091.3     Slipperiness Testing

§1091.4     Acceptable Coefficient of Friction Levels

§1091.5     Manner of Walking Changes Frictional Requirements

§1091.6     Pedestrian’s Weight Does Not Change Coefficient of Friction

§1091.7     Floor is Safe With Common Shoe Materials When Dry and Clean

§1091.8     Liquids Make Floor Slippery

§1091.9     Leafy Vegetable Matter Can Create Slipping Hazard

§1091.10   Expert Familiar with Maintenance and Inspection Procedures

§1091.11   Supermarket and Retail Industry Inspection and Sweeping Policies

§1091.12   Most Stores Use Sweep Sheets to Document Sweeping and Inspection

§1091.13   Sweep Sheets Are Reasonable Safety Management Device

§1091.14   Expert May Testify to Ultimate Fact in Most Jurisdictions

§1091.15   Hourly Sweeping and Inspection May Not Be Adequate

§1091.16   Hazard Is Unreasonable When it Can Be Reasonably Prevented

§1091.17   Inspections and Sweeping Alone May Not Be Sufficient

§1091.18   Mats May Be Required in Other Areas of Store

§1091.19   Safety Mats Do Not Necessarily Create Additional Hazards

§1092    Stairway Accidents

§1092.1     Measurement of Tread Depth and Riser Height

§1092.2     Variation Can Create Slipping Hazard

§1092.3     Variations Due to Defect in Design or Construction

§1092.4     Stairway In Violation Even Though Plans Approved

§1092.5     Handrails Are Important Stairway Safety Feature

§1092.6     Handrails Required on Each Side of Stairway

§1092.7     Light Concrete Is Common Construction Material for Stairways

§1092.8     Treatment of Magnesite Differs Between Indoor and Outdoor Use

§1092.9     Coefficient of Friction of Wet Stairway Similar to Wet Waxed Floor

§1092.10   Abrasive Strips May Be Used in Place of Sand Mixture

§1092.11   Nonslip Surface and Adequate Handrails May Offset Hazard

§1092.12   Carpeting Stairway May Increase Traction

§1092.13   Some Carpet May Cause Tripping Hazards

§1093    Ramp Accidents

§1093.1     Ramp Construction Regulated by Building Code

§1093.2     Steep Ramps Can Create Balance Problems

§1093.3     Handrails Required as Necessary Safety Device

§1093.4     Falls on Ramps Usually Feet First

§1093.5     Debris and Foreign Materials Increase Hazard Associated With Ramps

§1093.6     Ramps May Be Required for Safety Reasons

§1093.7     Handicapped Ramps May Have Stricter Requirements

§1093.8     State and Local Codes May Differ

§1093.9     National Requirements

§1094    Accidents on Public Sidewalks

§1094.1     Three-Quarter Inch Elevation Change Creates Substantial Hazard

§1094.2     Trivial Defect Defined

§1095    Accidents on Single Risers or Steps

§1095.1     Single Riser May Present Substantial Hazard to Pedestrians

§1095.2     Building Designers Avoid Single Risers Whenever Possible

§1095.3     Safety Precautions Can Reduce Risk of Injury

§1095.4     Handrails Not Required on Single Riser Steps

§1095.5     Series of Single Risers Is Not Necessarily Stairway

§1096    Doorway Threshold Tripping Hazards

§1096.1     Threshold Does Not Comply With Code

§1096.2     Private Residences or Individual Dwelling Units Exempt

§1097    Construction Accidents

§1097.1 Landowner or General Contractor’s Responsibility

§1097.2 Duty of Sub-Contractor Employees

 

 

Chapter 11: Determining Damages

§1100   Damage Types

§1101    Special Damages

§1102    General Damages

§1110   Hard and Soft Injuries

§1111    Hard Injuries

§1111.1     Severity

§1111.2     Residual Injuries

§1111.3     Prosthesis

§1112    Soft Tissue Injuries

§1112.1     Treatment

§1112.2     Difficulty of Proof

§1120   Proof of Damages

§1121    Medical Evaluation

§1121.1     Treating Physician’s General Report

§1121.2     Specialist’s Report

§1121.3     Psychological Reports

§1122    Economic Loss

§1122.1     Documenting Wage and Income Loss

§1122.2     Using Economist Experts

§1123    Proving Pain and Suffering

§1123.1     Daily Diary

§1123.2     Preaccident History

§1130   Discovery Organization and Preparation

§1131    Discovery Disclosure

§1132    Organizing Documents

§1133    Preparing for Plaintiff’s Deposition

§1140   Court Presentation

§1141    Photographs and Videotapes

§1142    Physical Evidence

§1143    Lay Witness Testimony

§1144    Settlement and Trial Briefs

§1145    Opening Statement and Final Argument

§1150   Damage Evaluation Form

 

Chapter 12: Defending a Slip and Fall Case

§1200   Introduction

§1210   Evaluate Defense Case

§1211    Determine Accident Facts

§1211.1     Location

§1211.2     Defendant’s Control of Premises

§1211.3     Severity of Injuries

§1211.4     Notice

§1211.5     Defendant’s Act or Failure to Act

§1211.6     Well-Documented Hazard

§1211.7     Incident Reports

§1220   Analyze Plaintiff

§1220.1     Plaintiff’s Class

§1220.2     Plaintiff’s Credibility

§1220.3     Foreseeability of Use

§1230   Evaluate Prior Accidents

§1230.1     Notice Elements

§1230.2     Severity of Hazard

§1230.3     Unique Properties

§1240   Review Maintenance and Inspection Procedures

§1241    Determine Frequency of Inspection

§1242    Determine Frequency of Maintenance

§1243    Determine Adequacy of Maintenance and Cleaning

§1244    Proof of Maintenance Procedures

§1250   Assemble Facts

§1251    Evaluate Complaint

§1251.1     Hazard

§1251.2     Notice

§1251.3     Causation

§1251.4     Duty to Maintain Premises

§1251.5     Demurrer

§1251.6     Affirmative Defenses

§1252    Early Discovery

§1252.1     Plaintiff’s Deposition

§1252.2     Witness Depositions

§1252.3     Interrogatories

§1260   Evaluate Physical Evidence

§1261    Photographs

§1262    Plans and Specifications

§1263    Maintenance and Employee Training Manuals

§1263.1     Training Programs

§1264    Site Inspection

§1264.1     Adequacy of Housekeeping

§1264.2     Physical Condition

§1264.3     Interview Witnesses

§1270   Defense Expert

§1271    Document Premises’ Condition

§1272    Review Discovery

§1273    Examine Shoes and Appliances

§1273.1     Test and Evaluate Shoes

§1273.2     Inspect Appliances and Walking Aids

§1274    Examine Accident Site

§1274.1     Identify and Document Hazard

§1274.2     Perform Tests and Measurements

§1274.3     Take Photographs and Create Drawings

§1274.4     Seek Alternate Accident Causes

§1274.5     Check Code Compliance

§1274.6     Determine Industry Custom and Practice

§1275    Review Plaintiff’s Case

§1275.1     Evaluate Expert’s Opinion

§1275.2     Evaluate Consistency of Accident Description

§1276    Testify at Trial

§1280   Affirmative Defenses

§1280.1     Lack of Hazard or Dangerous Condition

§1281    Outside Intervening Factors

§1281.1     Shoes and Clothing

§1281.2     Other Parties

§1281.3     Defective Products

§1282    Comparative Fault

§1282.1     Plaintiff’s Activity

§1282.2     Open and Obvious Conditions

§1282.3     Physical Impairments

§1283    Assumption of Risk

§1283.1     Identification of Hazard

§1283.2     Appreciation of Hazard

§1283.3     Severity of Injury

§1284    Trivial Defect Rule

§1290   Motion for Summary Judgment

Case 1:  Absence of Viable Hazard

Case 2:  Trivial Defect Rule May Apply to Private Property

§1290.1     Notice of Motion

§1290.2     Separate Statement of Undisputed Facts

§1290.3     Points and Authorities in Support of Motion

§1290.4     Declarations and Other Documentary Evidence

§1290.5     Separate Statement in Opposition

§1290.6     Documents Opposing Motion

§1290.7     Orders

§1290.8     Risks and Benefits

 

Chapter 13: Settlement and Arbitration

§1300   Introduction

§1310   Negotiation Timing

§1311    Prior to Filing

§1311.1     Initiating Claim

§1311.2     Demand Letter

Sample:      Settlement Demand Letter

§1312    After Initial Discovery

§1313    After Expert’s Deposition

§1314    Settlement Conferences

§1314.1     Settlement Brief

§1315    After Trial Commencement

§1320   Expert’s Role in Negotiations

§1330   Settlement Package Checklist

§1340   Arbitration

§1341    Advantages and Disadvantages

§1342    Arbitration Preparation

§1342.1     Discovery

§1342.2     Documentary Evidence

Sample:      Expert Witness Declaration

§1343    Arbitration Brief

Sample:    Arbitration Brief

§1344    Arbitration Hearing

§1345    Trial de Novo

§1350   Mediation

§1351    Facilitative Mediation

§1352    Evaluative Mediation

§1353    Selecting the Mediator

§1354    The Process

§1354.1 Participants

§1354.2 Opening Statements

§1354.3 Preparation

§1354.4 In Caucus

§1354.5 Bargaining

§1355    Mediation vs. Arbitration

 

Chapter 14: Preparing Documents and Evidence for Trial

§1400   Prepare for Trial

§1410   Review Discovery Documents

§1411    Requests for Admission

§1412    Interrogatories

§1412.1     Using Interrogatories at Trial

§1413    Depositions

§1414    Documents

§1414.1  Cross-Examination

§1420   Summarize Witness Testimony

§1430   Prepare Pretrial Motions

§1440   Submit Jury Instructions

§1441    Standard Instructions

§1442    Special Instructions

Sample:    Special Instructions, Slip and Fall Cases

§1450   Review Physical Evidence

§1451    Preparing Evidence

§1460   Organize Demonstrative Evidence

§1461    Presenting Evidence Effectively

§1461.1     Charts and Diagrams

§1461.2     Photographs

§1461.3     Videotape

§1461.4     Computer Simulation

§1470   Subpoena Witnesses

§1480   Organize Trial Notebook

 

Chapter 15: The Trial

§1500   Introduction

§1501    Opening Statement

§1502    Keeping Momentum Up

§1510   Efficient Use of Expert Witnesses

§1511    Expert Outline

§1512    Narrowing Issues

§1513    Handling Opinion Testimony

§1520   Optimize Expert Testimony

§1521    Minimize Distractions

§1522    Maintain Eye Contact

§1523    Avoid Impromptu Hypotheticals

§1524    Understand Terminology

§1525    Speak Clearly

§1526    Be Familiar With Evidence

§1527    Effective Timing

§1530   Maximize Courtroom Credibility

§1531    Defending Management, Personnel or Landowners

§1540   Effective Cross-Examination

§1550   Final Argument Strategies

§1551    Using Jury Instructions

§1552    Using Facts

Sample:    Final Argument

§1560   Trial Checklist: Liability and Damages

§1570   30-Day Trial Preparation Checklist

 

Part Three: Categories of Cases

Chapter 16: Workplace Falls

§1600   Introduction

§1610   Relationship Between Worker and Property Owner

Picture:     Industrial Stairway

Picture:     Improper Tread Size

Case 1:     Housing Project Floor

Case 2:     Office Lobby

Case 3:     Industrial Stairway

§1620   Nature of Hazard

§1621    Building Code Violations and Structural Defects

§1622    Hazards Resulting From Improper Building Material

Case 1:     Contractor vs. Owner Liability

§1623    Hazards Resulting From Improper Maintenance

Case 1:     Failure to Warn

Case 2:     Failure to Inspect

Case 3:     Failure to Clean

Case 4:     Slippery Driveway

§1624    Hazards Created by Third Parties

Case 1:     Construction Site

Case 2:     Leaking Roof

Case 3:     Stopped Floor Drain

Case 4:     Leaking Six-Pack

§1630   Documenting Hazard and Accident

§1631    Source and Format of Photographs

§1640   Notice Problems

§1650   Common Industry Hazards

§1660   Notice of Hazard Inherent to Activity

Case 1:  Safety Boots

§1670   Sources of Evidence

§1671    Coworkers and Supervisors

§1672    OSHA and Other Accident Reports

§1673    Training Manuals

§1674    Claims or Risk Management Manuals

§1675    Employee Training Videos

§1676    Federal, State and Local Safety Orders

§1677    Federal, State and Local Safety Advisories

§1680   Plaintiff-in-Intervention

§1681    Intervenor as Only Plaintiff

§1682    When Defendant Settles With Intervenor

Case 1:     Intervenor as “Missing Chair”

 

Chapter 17: Falls on Public Property

§1700   Introduction

Picture:  Smooth Steel Plate on Sidewalk

§1710   Burden of Proof

Case 1:  Irregular Sidewalk

§1720   Procedural Filing Requirements

Case 1:  Proper Defendant

Case 2:  Lack of Inspection

§1730   Falls on Public Sidewalks

§1731    Trivial Defects

Picture:     Uneven Walkway

Picture:     Large Tree Root

§1732    Establishing Notice

§1733    Abutting Property Owners

Picture:     Leaking Sprinkler

§1734    Liquids and Debris

Picture:     Debris on Steps and Sidewalk

Case 1:     Sandy Sidewalk

Case 2:     Sand in Remote Areas

§1735    Grates and Manholes

Case 1:     Missing Manhole Cover

Picture:     Corroded Manhole Cover

§1736    Protrusions and Obstructions on Public Sidewalks

Case 1:     Broken Parking Sign

Picture:     Metal Stub

Case 2:     Guywire Anchor in Sidewalk

Picture:     Anchor and Crosswalk

§1740   Airport Facilities

§1741    Parking Structures

Case 1:     Fall on Oil Spill

Case 2:     Crack in Parking Lot

Case 3:     Defective Expansion Joint in Airport Parking Structure

§1742    Lobbies and Concourses

Case 1:     Broken Expansion Joint

Case 2:     Slip at Main Airport Entrance

§1743    Jetways, Loading Stairs and Ramps

Case 1:     Fall in Jetway

§1744    Public Access Areas

§1750   Bus Stations

§1751    Ticket Lobbies

Case 1:     Fall on Luggage

Case 2:     Spilled Soft Drink

§1752    Waiting Rooms

§1760   Railroad Stations

§1761    Passenger Loading Platforms

Case 1:     Fall From Train Platform

§1762    Passenger Stairway

Case 1:     Geometric Pattern on Steps

§1770   Bus and Train Stops

 

Chapter 18: Falls in Markets

§1800   Introduction

§1801    Basis of Law

§1802    Critical Elements

§1803    Three Basic Items

§1804    Application of Premises Liability Law

§1805    Burden of Proof

§1810   Proving the Elements

Case 1:  Defendant Store Has Duty To Inspect

§1811    The Wollerman Rule

§1820   Source of Hazard

Case 1:  Absence of Hazard

Case 2:  Mysterious Causes

§1830   Business Owner's Duty

Case 1:  Failure to Warn

Case 2:  Failure to Inspect

Picture:  Cluttered Aisles

§1840   Establishing Notice

§1840.1  New Technologies

Case 1:  Sweeping Logs

Case 2:  Special Maintenance Problems – 24-Hour Market

Case 3:  Gratuitous Use of Premises

Case 4:  Failure to Inspect

§1841    Mode of Operation

§1842    Merchandise and Other Distractions

Case 1:     Distracting Display

Picture:     Riser and Warning Sign

§1850   Questions and Answers

Figure 18-1:     Typical Grocery Store Sweep Log

§1851    Employee Training

Case 1:     Employee Training

§1852    Distractions

Case 1:     Distractions in the Store

§1860   Demonstrative Evidence

§1861    Photographs

§1862    Video

§1870   Supermarket and Retail Store Checklist

§1880   Additional Sources

§1881    Sample Complaint for Fall in Supermarket         

§1882    Demand for Production of Documents

§1883    Demand for Inspection of Property

 

Chapter 19: Falls in Residences

§1910   Single Family Homes

§1911    Limited Liability

§1912    Owners’ Lower Duty of Care

§1913    Foreseeability of Use

Case 1:     Remote Stairway

Case 2:     Main Entry

§1920   Multi-Family Dwellings

§1921    Apartments

Case 1:     Improper Re-Sealing of a Stairway

§1922    Condominiums

Case 1:     Painted Walkways

Case 2:     Resurfaced Walkways

§1923    Hotels and Motels

Picture:     Water Stains on Concrete Stairs

§1924    Vacation Rentals

Case 1:     Fatal Fall in Rental Unit

§1930   Special Care Residences

§1940   Hazards in Residential Buildings

§1941    Structural Defects

§1942    Stairways

§1942.1 Classification of Stairway Fall Accident Cases

§1942.2 Background and Statistics

§1942.3 Common Elements in Stairway Accident Cases

§1942.4 Special Aspects of Premises Liability Law

Case 1:  Failure to Inspect

§1942.5 Burden of Proof

Case 2:  Plaintiff Slips on Stair Tread

§1942.6 Questions and Answers

Case 3:  Handrails Too Close to Wall

§1943    Porches and Balconies

Case 1:     Slippery Decking

§1944    Single Risers

§1945    Floor Material and Flooring

§1950   Hazards From Poor Maintenance

§1951    Water on Walkway

§1952    Solid Debris

Case 1:     Sand on Hanicapped Access Ramp

Case 2:     Sand and Gravel on Driveway

§1953    Weathering and Maintenance

§1960   Changes in Occupancy

§1961    Transient Business Use

Case 1:     Home as Precinct Polling Place

§1962    Business Use of Home

Case 1:     Home Businesses

Picture: Unmarked Hazard

§1970   Checklists

§1971    Stairway Fall Accidents

§1980   Deposition Outlines

§1981    Stairway Experts

§1982    Lighting Experts

 

Chapter 20: Falls on Construction Sites

§2000   Introduction

§2010   Four Categories of Hazards

§2011    Wet Surfaces

§2012    Construction Processes

§2013    Falls on Debris

§2014    Falls From Heights

§2020   Multiple Defendants in Construction Cases

Case 1:  Multiple Defendants

Case 2:  Contractors and Sub-contractors

§2030   Peculiar or Special Risk

§2040   Structural Defects

Case 1:  Fall Through Plywood Roof Sheathing

Case 2:  Unfinished Skylight

Case 3:  Joist Walking

Case 4:  Defective Scaffold Plank

Case 5:  Steel Plate on Construction Ramp

Case 6:  Glazed Tile on Entry Court

§2050   Poor Workplace Maintenance

Case 1:  Trip Over Wire

Case 2:  Concrete Cutting Creates Slipping Hazard

Case 3:  Fall on Plaster Dust in Hospital

§2060   Falls on Mechanized Equipment

§2061    Duty

§2070   Evaluating the Hazard

§2071    Entry Steps

§2071.1     Fixed Steps and Ladders

§2071.2     Equipment Maintenance

§2071.3     Site Maintenance

Case 1:       Fall on Truck From Grease Accumulation

Case 2:       Driver Slips on Debris

§2072    Catwalks and Control Stations

§2073    Forklift Rails and Loader Buckets

Case 1:     Fall From Forklift

§2074    Hoists and Manlifts

 

Chapter 21: Falls at Recreational Facilities

§2100   Introduction

§2110   Foodstuffs and Liquids

Case 1:  Melted Ice Cream in Theater

Case 2:  Hot Dog at Race Track

Case 3:  Spilled Soft Drink at Disneyland

§2120   Debris and Litter

Case 1:  Betting Stubs at Race Track

Case 2:  Wet Paper at Convention Center

§2130   Insufficient Lighting

Case 1:  Fall on Steps at Circus

Case 2:  Fall on Grassy Area at Animal Park

§2140   Ski Lifts

Case 1:  Hit in Head Trying to Board Ski Lift

§2150      Tennis and Ball Courts

Case 1:     Massive Head Trauma From Fall on Tennis Court

§2151       Liability Analysis Report

§2151.1    Elements of Liability Analysis Report

 

Chapter 22: Falls on Ice and Snow

§2200   Introduction

§2210   Duty

Case 1:  Ice on Sidewalk From Downspout

§2211    Duty Set by Statute or Ordinance

§2220   Private v. Public Property

Case 2:  Snow Covering Section of Broken Sidewalk

§2230   Types of Hazards

§2231    Natural Accumulation

§2232    Artificial Accumulation

Case 3:     Parking Lot

§2240   Methods of Removal

§2241    Mechanical Removal

§2242    Chemical Removal

Case 4:     De-Icing Chemicals Created a Slipping Hazard

§2250   Notice

§2260   Areas of Discovery

 

Chapter 23: Falls by the Elderly or Disabled

§2300   Introduction

Illustration:       Classification of Hip Fractures

Case 1:            Fall on Spilled Food

Case 2:            Fall on Ramp

Case 3:            Torn Carpet in Rest Home Hallway

§2310   The Magnitude of Problem

§2311    Development of Regulations

§2311.1     Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

§2311.2     Special Problems

§2311.3     Recognition of Hazards

§2311.4     Avoiding the Hazard

§2311.5     Increased Duty of Property Owner

§2311.6     Duty of Care Givers

§2320   Types of Hazard

§2321    Slipping Hazards

§2322    Tripping Hazards

§2323    Automatic and Power Assisted Doors

§2324    Elevators

§2325    Falls Due to Defective Products

§2325.1     Crutches, Canes and Walking Aids

§2325.2     Wheelchairs

Case 1:       Wheelchair Falls Off Landing

Case 2:       Wheelchair Tips Over Backward in Parking Lot

§2325.3     Bathtubs and Bathing Facilities

§2326    Falls Resulting From Environmental Conditions

§2326.1     Lighting

§2326.2     Noise

§2326.3     Other Factors That Distract

§2330   Special Duty to Elderly and Handicapped

Picture:  Unsafe Entryway

 

Chapter 24: Playground Accidents

§2410   Scope of Problem

Table:    Distribution of Injuries in Children

§2420   Litigation

§2421    Basis of Liability

§2422    Timely Notification

§2423    Essential Parties

§2424    The Complaint

§2425    Case Evaluation

§2426    Standards

§2426.1     Industry Standards

§2426.2     Medical Societies

§2426.3     The Handbook for Public Playground Safety

Illustration:  Playground Equipment Protrusion

Table:                     Depth of Playground Materials

Illustration:  Use Zone for Slides

§2427    Inspection and Documentation of Accident Site

§2427.1     Inspection Team

§2427.2     Measurements and Testing

§2427.3     Layout and Dimensions

§2428    Accident Reconstruction

§2428.1     Video Tapes

§2428.2     Computer Re-enactment

§2430   Discovery

§2431    Interrogatories

§2432    Requests for Admissions

§2433    Requests for Production of Documents

§2434    Depositions

§2434.1     Eyewitnesses

§2434.2     Playground Supervisor

§2434.3     Maintenance Supervisor

§2434.4     Department Head – Parks and Recreation

§2434.5     Employees

§2434.6     Production Engineer

§2434.7     Design Engineer

§2434.8     Installation Contractor

§2440   Adult Supervision

 

Table of Authorities

 

Cases

Statutes, Rules and Instructions

Building Codes

Other Authorities

 

Index