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Personal Injury (Non-Vehicular)
Premises Liability
Fall

Deanna Hoffmeister and Harold H. Hoffmeister v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Published: Jan. 1, 2000 | Result Date: Apr. 22, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: 95CV103 Verdict –  $578,967

Judge

David A. Bottger

Court

Garfield Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Martin Freeman


Defendant

Scott Eldredge


Experts

Plaintiff

J. Scott J. Bainbridge
(medical)

Facts

On July 24, 1993, Deanna Hoffmeister and her husband, Harold, were shopping at the Wal-Mart store in Glenwood Springs. Plaintiff Deanna attempted to sit on an oak glider which was on display. The glider collapsed causing spine and shoulder injuries to Deanna. Plaintiff alleged that she was unable to continue working as a secretary in the Garfield County Probation Department and was forced to retire.

Settlement Discussions

Plaintiff's final demand before trial was $415,000. Defendant's final statutory offer before trial was $50,000.

Specials in Evidence

$154,000

Damages

She had to retire early because of the injuries sustained in the fall, also loss of consortium.

Injuries

Plaintiff sustained lumbo-sacral spine injury and cervical spine and shoulder injury.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately six years after the date of the accident.

Length

three days


#88446

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