This case involves a slip and fall at a luxury hotel. The plaintiff, a sixty-three-year-old woman, attended a nonprofit charity auction of rare antique artifacts and memorabilia at a large hotel. In order to power the large PA system that the auctioneer spoke through, the hotel laid out large wires which were covered by rugs in most areas (the hotel owned and operated the PA system). In the hallway that led to the restroom, however, there were eight feet of exposed wire that had been taped down. There was no warning or markings to indicate the hazard. As the plaintiff went to the restroom, she tripped and fell. She broke her wrist and fractured her hip, which required extensive surgery to repair.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Should there have been a warning indicating the taped wire?
Expert Witness Response E-006266
In most cases, there is some warning indicating any abnormal change in surface. The specifics in this case, would need to be analyzed to flesh out the case. Specifically, if any other areas were exposed, how thick the wire was, the exact placement of the wire, how well the wire had been taped to the ground, and a prior history of incidents all would all factor into the culpability of the hotel. In this case, however, given the lack of any indication of the taped wire, the hotel appears to have been negligent in their responsibilities.
About the author
Michael Talve, CEO
Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.
