Petrillo & Goldberg Law Blog

In a recent case, a court upheld a $4.7 million jury award for a woman who was severely injured in a slip and fall accident at a banquet hall in East Hanover, New Jersey.

$4.7 Million Award Upheld in Slip and Fall Case: Essential Insights for Victims

Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of personal injury, often resulting in painful and even long-term harm to victims. These incidents can occur anywhere, from grocery stores and restaurants to office buildings and private homes. When property owners fail to maintain safe premises, their negligence can cause serious injuries to others.

Proving slip and fall accident claims is not always straightforward, requiring strong evidence such as surveillance video and medical documents. In a recent case, a court upheld a $4.7 million jury award for a woman who was severely injured in a slip and fall accident at a banquet hall in East Hanover, New Jersey.

Rose Pietrobon, a woman with special needs, attended a first communion event at The Hanover Manor in May 2015. While stepping onto the dance floor, she slipped on a piece of fruit, leading to a severe fall. The incident led to life-altering disabilities for Pietrobon. She suffered a hip fracture that required partial hip replacement surgery. The surgery caused a leg length discrepancy, resulting in chronic pain and instability that significantly impacted her daily life.

Seeking Justice for Negligence

Pietrobon, 57, filed a lawsuit against The Hanover Manor and K&A Realty focused on their responsibility to maintain a safe environment and preserve crucial evidence. The banquet hall’s management looked at surveillance footage of the incident. However, they failed to preserve the video. 

After the fall, Pietrobon’s mother had allegedly seen someone cleaning the dance floor. Additionally, the incident report created after the fall was unavailable at trial. Despite these challenges, the jury awarded Pietrobon $4.7 million for her injuries and suffering.

The defendants appealed the verdict, arguing that the trial judge made several errors, including improper questioning of witnesses and allowing certain testimonies. However, the New Jersey Appellate Division upheld the jury’s decision, stating that the trial judge acted within their discretion. The appellate panel confirmed that the loss of crucial evidence significantly impacted Pietrobon’s ability to fully substantiate her claims.

Key Takeaways

For those who have suffered injuries in slip and fall accidents, Pietrobon’s case highlights several crucial points. It is important to document everything and gather as much evidence as possible after a fall. Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and preserving evidence after an incident. Failure to do so can impact the outcome of a case.

If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, document the scene and gather witness statements. Take down the contact details of anyone who may have seen your fall. Take photos of your surroundings and any hazards that contributed to your accident before they are removed. For example, there may be a puddle on the floor, a broken staircase or debris scattered on the ground.

Notify the property owner or manager about the accident. Ensure that an incident report is filed and ask for a copy of the report for your records. If there are surveillance cameras in the area, request that the footage be preserved.

You should also get immediate medical attention to establish the extent of your injuries. Maintain a detailed record of your medical treatments, expenses and any communication with insurance companies or the property owner. These documents will be vital when building your case.

Navigating a slip and fall accident claim can be complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on your legal options. If evidence is hard to obtain, the lawyer can use their skills to help you prove your claim.

How Petrillo & Goldberg Law Can Help

At Petrillo & Goldberg Law, our team is dedicated to helping slip and fall victims pursue the compensation they deserve. Our New Jersey personal injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional and financial toll an injury can take. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, do not wait to seek legal advice.

Petrillo & Goldberg Law will work diligently to investigate your case, gather evidence and build a strong claim on your behalf. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for those we represent. To learn more, call 856-486-4343 today to schedule a free consultation.