$140,000: Complicated Scalp Laceration Caused by Falling Ladder

CASE DESCRIPTION: On the afternoon of Friday, March 18, 2011, Patrick R. was walking with friends, south of Figueroa Street towards LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. At around 1:30pm, Patrick and his friends stopped on the sidewalk at the northwest corner of Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard. They waited for the pedestrian traffic signal to change in order to cross the street. Suddenly, and without warning, Patrick was struck by a falling ladder. The ladder which struck Patrick was a 250lb. heavy duty 40 ft construction ladder manufactured by Werner. Prior to falling, the ladder has rested against a vertical blue car wash sign on the northwest corner of the intersection. The ladder was being used to access and work on a cellular telephone cite located in the car wash sign. The ladder essentially scalped Patrick. Patrick stumbled and fell to the ground bleeding profusely from the traumatic head wound.

RESULTS: $140,000

DATE OF SETTLEMENT: May 14, 2012

INJURIES: Patrick suffered closed head injury, complicated scalp laceration (24 staples, 5 sutures), neck strain, head/neck pain and headaches

TYPE OF CASE: Premises Liability

DATE & LOCATION OF INCIDENT: March 18, 2011 – Northwest corner of Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

PLAINTIFF’S AGE: 25 at the time of incident

OCCUPATION: Project manager/Model

PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEYS:
MICHAEL A. PENN, ESQ.
AITKEN*AITKEN*COHN

DEFENDANT INSURANCE CO.: Scottsdale Insurance Company