Our client was enjoying what should have been a pleasant holiday outing at the Christmas kiosks set up at Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire. She had visited this area before, including attending a luncheon, and was familiar with the normal, safe walking conditions.
As she walked along the sidewalk outside the Hotel, admiring the festive Christmas lights and holiday displays, she encountered electric cables crossing the pedestrian walkway. These cables, installed to power the temporary Christmas kiosks, were covered with protective covers but posed a hidden danger to unsuspecting visitors.
After safely navigating the first set of covered cables, our client approached a second cable crossing. The cable cover appeared secure, but as she stepped on it, the unsecured cover suddenly collapsed beneath her weight, causing her to fall violently to the ground. She landed hard on her right wrist and struck her head on the pavement, sustaining multiple serious injuries.
Immediate Emergency Response and Hospitalization
The severity of our client’s injuries was immediately apparent to witnesses, and emergency medical services were called to the scene. EMS responders found our client on the ground with obvious facial injuries and active bleeding, requiring immediate transport to Lawrence General Hospital, where she received the following treatment:
- Comprehensive trauma evaluation with X-rays and CT scans
- Diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (brain bleeding)
- Compound fracture of right wrist requiring immediate surgical intervention
- Closed fracture of nasal bone
- Right periorbital hematoma (severe bruising around the eye)
- Right eyelid laceration requiring seven sutures
There were critical safety failures at the accident site, which included:
- No warning signs alerting pedestrians to the cable hazard
- No orange safety cones marking the dangerous area
- Unsecured cable covers that gave the false appearance of safety
- Alternative overhead wiring could have eliminated the ground-level hazard entirely
Serious Injuries Requiring Multiple Surgeries
The trip and fall resulted in devastating injuries that required extensive medical intervention, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury with Bleeding: Subarachnoid hemorrhage requiring neurosurgical consultation and follow-up neurological assessments
- Compound Wrist Fracture: Complex fracture with bone protruding through the skin, which led to a Required Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery. Client had to get post-surgical casting and splinting with pins inserted for stabilization.
- Facial and Eye Injuries: Injuries included a broken nasal bone, severe eyelid laceration that requires suturing, and a corneal abrasion causing light sensitivity and foreign body sensation
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: Extensive occupational therapy at Lawrence General Hospital Outpatient Rehab, with twice-weekly therapy sessions and a home exercise program
The Importance Of Immediate Post-Accident Evidence Gathering
Recognizing the importance of documenting the dangerous conditions, our client’s husband returned to the accident scene just two days after her fall. The photographic evidence he gathered was crucial to the case, as days after the accident, the property owner had implemented safety improvements, including:
- Warning signs had been installed where none existed before
- Orange safety cones were now marking the cable areas
- Clear evidence that the property owner knew the area was dangerous
- Proof that simple safety measures could have prevented the accident
Property Owner Negligence and Legal Responsibility
This case demonstrates clear premises liability negligence by the property owner, including:
- Failure to properly secure cable covers on pedestrian walkways
- Absence of warning signs or safety markings for known hazards
- Creation of dangerous conditions for temporary holiday displays
- Failure to use safer alternative methods like overhead cable routing
Successful $99,000 Settlement Achievement
Our legal team successfully negotiated a $99,000 settlement that provided comprehensive compensation for our client’s serious injuries and ongoing limitations. This result reflects the severity of brain bleeding, compound fracture injuries, and the significant impact on our elderly client’s independence and quality of life.
The settlement addressed:
- All medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering from traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures
- Lost quality of life and ongoing functional limitations
- Future medical care needs for potential wrist fusion surgery
- Compensation for permanent disfigurement and scarring
Protecting Holiday Visitors from Premises Hazards
Holiday events and temporary installations create unique premises liability risks that property owners must address proactively. This case highlights the importance of proper safety planning for seasonal displays and the serious consequences that can result from inadequate hazard management.
Our legal team understands the unique vulnerabilities of elderly visitors to holiday events and the devastating impact that trip and fall injuries can have on active seniors. We are committed to holding property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions during special events and ensuring that injured visitors receive full compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trip and fall accident at a commercial property, holiday event, or temporary installation, our experienced legal team is here to help. We will thoroughly investigate the dangerous conditions, document safety violations, and fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your premises liability case and learn about your legal rights.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and results depend on specific facts and circumstances. This case result is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.