Woman Seeking $17.8M in Resort Parking Garage Slip and Fall Case
A premises liability trial recently began in Okaloosa County state court, where a Florida jury is hearing claims from a young woman who says she suffered a permanent ankle injury after tripping outside a vacation resort’s parking garage.
Emily Webre, a former LSU student, is suing Destin West Beach and Bay Resort over a fall that happened in 2021. Her attorney, Nick Rowley, says the accident left her with lasting damage. Rowley argued the accident was caused by an unmarked 1-inch raised step near the garage entrance, which he said violated local building codes requiring elevation changes greater than a quarter inch to be smoothed. He is seeking $13.75 to $17.87 million in damages.
The resort disputes liability, maintaining that Webre was intoxicated and tripped on her flip-flops. Defense attorney Grayson Miller told jurors the step was not unreasonably dangerous and that the resort never received complaints about it since opening in 2007.
Rowley countered that Webre was not impaired, emphasizing she had planned to drive friends home and that drinking is a normal occurrence at a resort. He described the step as a hidden hazard posing risks to all guests, whether or not they are sober. Holding up Webre’s well-worn flip-flops, he dismissed claims they caused her fall. He stated: “These shoes are made for walking, and that’s what they did.”
According to Rowley, Webre underwent surgery but still faces lifelong pain, early arthritis, and career setbacks in her pursuit of becoming a marine biologist. He suggested jurors could choose one of three options: find the resort fully liable, split fault between the parties, or rule in the resort’s favor.
Miller, on the other hand, urged jurors to return a complete defense verdict, arguing Webre’s injury was a routine ankle break and that her subsequent hiking and scuba trips proved she recovered well. He also suggested her lawsuit may have been influenced by her father, a personal injury attorney.
How Much Are Slips and Falls Worth?
The value of a slip and fall case can vary widely. Key factors that affect case value include:
- Severity of the injury. Minor sprains may be worth only a few thousand dollars, while permanent injuries (like broken bones, spinal damage, or head trauma) can reach six or seven figures.
- Medical costs. Past and future expenses, including surgery, rehab, and long-term treatment, are a major driver of value.
- Lost wages and earning capacity. If the injury prevents someone from working or limits future career opportunities, damages may increase significantly.
- Pain and suffering. Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
On average, these cases may settle between $15,000 and $50,000 for moderate injuries, while serious or permanent injuries can exceed $100,000 to several million dollars. In this case, almost $18 million seems extraordinarily high.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
Slips and falls are no joke, but sometimes the victim is to blame. It’s hard to say who is at fault here, as both parties could easily be liable to some degree.
A Bradenton slip and fall lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can help ensure you are fully and fairly compensated for all your injuries. To schedule a consultation today, give us a call at (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.
Source:
blog.cvn.com/17.8m-resort-parking-garage-slip-and-fall-trial-begins-watch-online-via-cvn
