Defense Verdict in Favor of Hospital

After three days of trial, L. Peyton Chapman and Stephen P. Dees received a defense verdict from a Montgomery County jury in favor of the Defendant hospital. Plaintiff claimed she was entering the automatic doors at the entrance of the hospital and felt her foot catch on something, causing her to fall. Plaintiff suffered a broken right arm which required two separate surgeries to repair. Plaintiff alleged that the hospital negligently maintained the floors and rugs so that they were not safe for hospital patients and visitors. Further, Plaintiff alleged that the hospital created a hazard by not properly securing the rug at the main entrance to the floor. The hospital defended the case and raised the defense of contributory negligence. The hospital also argued that the rug was appropriate for its location and was open and obvious. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the hospital.