A jury in California has ruled that a hospital was not liable for injuries allegedly suffered by a visitor who said he slipped on soda that had been spilled in a corridor.
Facts and Allegations
Jonathan Carrillo asserted that, while visiting the campus of San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, California, he slipped and fell, injuring his back and a knee.
Mr. Carrillo sued the hospital, alleging that it failed to adequately maintain and inspect the area, creating a dangerous condition. In particular, he claimed that he slipped on what he described as a basketball-sized spill of cola in the main hospital corridor.
Defense counsel argued that routine inspections were not effective in discovering dangerous conditions, such as spills by visitors, and that all employees were trained to be observant at all times. Counsel also argued that a security video captured the slip and fall and that it did not appear to be serious.
Result
The jury rendered a defense verdict. It found that the hospital was not negligent.
The case is Carrillo v. San Antonio Regional Hospital, No. CIVDS1719277 (Cal. Super. Ct. San Bernardino Co., Dec. 4, 2018). Attorneys involved include: Warren M. Ellis; Munoz & Munoz; for Jonathan Carrillo. Jeffery W. Grass; Davis, Grass, Goldstein and Finlay; Ontario, CA for San Antonio Regional Hospital.
FC&S Legal Comment
This report is based on information that was provided by defense counsel. Plaintiff's counsel did not respond to the reporter's phone calls.
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Steven A. Meyerowitz
Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].