Rivera v. Belk
Directed verdict following slip and fall at Belk
Facts: Plaintiff was a customer at a Belk department store in Thomaston, GA when she fell allegedly after getting her feet caught on a cloth covering a display table. The primary liability issues were whether the table cloth was negligently placed and, if so, whether the plaintiff had equal knowledge of the purported hazard.
Alleged injury/damages: Comminuted wrist fracture with surgery. Plaintiff claimed $29,557.42 in medical expenses.
Last offer/Last demand: Plaintiff demanded $130,000. Belk offered $10,000.
Result: Directed verdict for Belk
Court: Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia
Attorneys: Bill Casey and Erica Morton for Belk; James Creasy for plaintiff