TT&H Attorney Michele Harper Wins Baltimore County Trip and Fall Case

TT&H Attorney Michele Harper recently won a trip and fall case in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. Plaintiff was a tenant at Defendant’s apartment complex and claimed to be disabled due to having undergone two total knee replacements prior to the alleged occurrence. Plaintiff fell while attempting to enter her apartment building. She claimed that the fall occurred because of Defendant’s removal of a decorative fence, which Plaintiff had allegedly used for assistance in ascending the two steps leading to the building. Plaintiff offered no expert testimony to support her allegation that a railing was necessary or required at the entrance to the building.

Plaintiff alleged significant injuries to her neck and back, resulting in two surgeries. She also claimed that one of her front teeth was chipped and that she sustained significant bruising. She claimed over $100,000.00 in past medical damages and alleged that her injuries were permanent in nature. Her initial demand of $500,000.00 was reduced to $200,000.00 at the time of mediation, but later rose to $500,000.00 again as trial approached. After almost two days of testimony, Defendant’s Motion in limine to preclude the majority of Plaintiff’s medical evidence was granted due to Plaintiff’s failure to timely produce complete and accurate medical bills and records. By providing the Court with detailed documentation reflecting repeated requests for Plaintiff’s medical documentation, and Plaintiff’s inadequate responses, Michele convinced the Court that this vital information had not been provided in a timely manner. Having provided no expert testimony to relate her alleged treatment and injuries to the fall, and no expert witness to opine regarding the issue of the railing, Michele made a Motion for judgment at the close of Plaintiff’s case. The Motion was granted and judgement was entered in favor of Michele’s client.

Questions about this case can be directed to Michele Harper at (443) 641-0561 ext. 8706 or mharper@tthlaw.com.