Property owners are responsible for providing a safe, secure and properly maintained premise. Regardless of how or why someone enters a property, property owners may be held liable if an injury occurs while the person is on their property that was caused by their negligence. This is especially true when the property owner encourages people to enter their premises, such as in the case of a restaurant or amusement park. One of the largest amusement parks in the world was recently reminded of this responsibility.
Katherine Harrison went to Orlando, Florida to visit one of the state’s most popular attractions: Walt Disney World. While at the park, Harrison was sitting in the patio of a restaurant waiting to get some food. As she was waiting, Harrison was suddenly struck by the metal pole of a flying patio umbrella. Apparently, the umbrella had come loose from a nearby table and then taken flight due to the strong wind.
According to lawyersandsettlements.com, Harrison complained of headaches after getting struck by the pole. Less than two weeks later, she suffered a grand mal seizure. A grand mal seizure involves a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. It’s the type of seizure most people picture when they think about seizures in general. Harrison alleges that the incident also has left her with other brain defects that she continues to live with. She argues that Disney was negligent by not securing the patio umbrella.
A Florida court seems to have agreed with Harrison. Disney was ordered to pay her $546,000 for her personal injury damages that she sustained while on their premises.
If you, or someone you know, has been injured on commercial or residential property, please contact the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates for a free and confidential case review. Call (617) 787-3700; time may be a factor, so please call today!