Case Summary
Senior Trial Attorney Michael Rix and Associate Attorney Erick Johnson of Vaziri Law LLP successfully resolved a contested premises liability case, securing an $850,000 settlement on behalf of our client.
In February 2021, our client was dining at a restaurant when he slipped and fell near the restroom. The fall was severe; he lost consciousness for several minutes, sustained lacerations above his eyebrow, and was transported by ambulance for emergency care.
What followed was a lengthy and painful recovery process. He endured a concussion, orthopedic injuries, and ongoing pain in his neck and elbows. Despite extensive treatment, including specialist care and interventional procedures, his symptoms persisted. By the time of resolution, his medical expenses exceeded $505,000.
Through determined litigation, our attorneys achieved a result that not only covered his past medical bills but also provided meaningful compensation for the lasting effects of his injuries.
Facts of the Case
On the evening of February 24, 2021, our client was a patron at a restaurant in Los Angeles County. While walking back from the restroom, he encountered a hazardous condition on the floor and slipped. The fall was violent, causing him to strike the ground forcefully. Witnesses observed that he lost consciousness for several minutes. When he regained awareness, he was bleeding from a laceration above his left eyebrow and was visibly disoriented.
Emergency services were called, and he was transported by ambulance to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center. In addition to the head trauma, he reported pain in his neck, shoulders, elbows, and right hand. The restaurant completed an internal incident report, but liability was disputed throughout the litigation process.
Despite the defense’s attempts to minimize responsibility, evidence showed that the restaurant failed to maintain safe premises and did not adequately warn or protect guests from the hazardous condition that caused the fall.
Treatment
Following the fall, our client was transported by ambulance to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center. In the emergency department, physicians documented a concussion, a laceration to his left eyebrow, and complaints of pain in his neck, shoulders, elbows, and right hand. Imaging studies were performed, and he was discharged with instructions for follow-up care. Over the following months, his symptoms persisted and worsened. He underwent evaluation and treatment with orthopedic specialists, neurologists, and pain management providers.
Diagnostic imaging confirmed cervical and lumbar spine trauma, and he continued to suffer from headaches, dizziness, numbness, and tingling that radiated into his upper extremities. Despite chiropractic therapy and physical rehabilitation, his condition did not improve. He required multiple interventional procedures, including injections administered under anesthesia at a surgical center. These treatments offered only temporary relief, and his pain continued to interfere with his daily life and ability to work. By the time of resolution, his medical expenses totaled more than $505,000, reflecting both the extensive care he required and the severity of the injuries caused by the fall.
Legal Strategy
Although the accident was promptly reported and medical records clearly documented the seriousness of the injuries, the defense challenged liability throughout the litigation. They argued that the hazardous condition was not their responsibility and sought to minimize the extent of our client’s injuries and treatment.
Vaziri Law LLP responded with a focused and aggressive litigation strategy. Our attorneys worked with medical experts, including neurologists and orthopedic specialists, to establish the direct connection between the fall and the concussion, spinal trauma, and orthopedic injuries. Through testimony and records, we demonstrated that the injuries were not only real but permanent in nature, requiring over half a million dollars in medical care.
At the same time, we pursued extensive discovery to hold the restaurant accountable for failing to maintain safe premises. By preparing the matter as if it would proceed to trial, our attorneys built the leverage necessary to push the defense into meaningful settlement negotiations. This strategy ultimately positioned the case for a strong resolution in our client’s favor.
Pursuing Justice
After extensive litigation, Vaziri Law LLP secured an $850,000 settlement on behalf of our client. This recovery provided the resources to cover more than $505,000 in medical expenses while also compensating for his ongoing pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
This case highlights the real dangers posed when businesses fail to address unsafe conditions. What began as a routine evening out ended in a traumatic fall that left our client with permanent injuries and overwhelming medical costs. The settlement sends a clear message: property owners cannot ignore hazards without consequences.
By relentlessly pursuing the evidence and building a case prepared for trial, Senior Trial Attorney Michael Rix and Associate Attorney Erick Johnson secured a result that reflects both the gravity of our client’s injuries and the responsibility of those at fault.