Gray•Duffy, LLP Obtains $400,000 Settlement for Client Who Fell and Fractured Her Hip in Hair Salon

February 2015

Overview

Michael Eisenbaum of Gray•Duffy’s Encino office negotiated a $400,000 settlement for the firm’s client, prior to the need for filing a lawsuit.

Discussion

Mary Lappas v. Shear Delight Salon Mary Lappas, age 79, had just finished getting her hair done at the Shear Delight Salon. While she was walking toward the exit, an employee of the salon accidently bumped into her, causing her to fall on her backside. She sustained a minimally displaced hip fracture, and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. She remained in the hospital for 5 days, and thereafter she was transferred to a skilled nursing facility for about four weeks. No surgery was required for the fracture, but the client’s mobility was significantly limited for at least a year following the incident. Ms. Lappas’ gross medical expenses were approximately $73,500. After adjustments for Medicare and health insurance, the total paid medical expenses were approximately $30,000. On behalf of Ms. Lappas, Mr. Eisenbaum presented a claim to the insurance carrier for the Salon, State Farm. Once all the medical treatment was concluded, and all of Ms. Lappas’ medical records and bills were provided to State Farm, the parties engaged in a pre-lawsuit mediation. As a result of the mediation, the case was ultimately settled for the agreed upon amount of $400,000.

Please Note: This article is necessarily general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice with respect to any particular case. Readers should consult with an attorney before taking any action affecting their interests.