A Miami-Dade jury recently awarded $5.5 million to Terrel Seltzer, a Hollywood screenwriter, following a slip-and-fall incident in South Florida. The case, Terrel Seltzer v. Jorge M. Planas and Casa Landmark LLC., highlighted the responsibilities of property owners to maintain safe conditions for visitors.
Key Takeaways
- Terrel Seltzer was awarded $5.5 million after a slip-and-fall incident.
- The case emphasized the duty of property owners to warn invitees of hazardous conditions.
- Seltzer's legal team successfully argued the significant impact of her injury on her career.
The Incident
The slip-and-fall occurred when Seltzer, an invitee at a property owned by Jorge M. Planas, encountered unexpected changes in flooring elevation leading to a fall that resulted in the loss of her eye. The lawsuit claimed that Planas failed to warn Seltzer about these dangerous conditions.
Legal Representation
Seltzer was represented by attorneys Todd L. Wallen and Christopher M. Drury. Drury expressed confidence in their case but acknowledged the challenge posed by Seltzer's age, as she was in her 70s. Despite this, the jury recognized her ongoing commitment to her career as a writer.
The Defense
Initially, the lawsuit included Planas, but after a settlement with his insurance company, he was dropped from the case. Casa Landmark LLC, the company owned by Planas, continued to defend against the allegations. Attorney Sean Patrick Perez represented Casa Landmark at trial, noting that he was brought in after a default judgment had already been entered against the company.
Trial Highlights
During the trial, Seltzer's attorneys presented compelling evidence of how her injury affected her professional and personal life. They argued that the loss of her right eye not only caused physical pain but also severely impacted her ability to work in the detail-oriented field of screenwriting. Drury emphasized that the injury took away Seltzer's essence as a writer, leading to emotional distress and depression.
The Jury's Decision
The jury's decision to award $5.5 million reflects the serious nature of Seltzer's injury and the court's stance on premises liability. The substantial verdict underscores the importance of property owners ensuring safe conditions for their guests.
The Broader Context
Slip-and-fall accidents are a common issue in Miami, prompting law firms like Mario Serralta & Associates to advocate for victims. These firms emphasize the need for property owners to be held accountable for unsafe conditions, ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve.
This case serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities property owners have and the potential consequences of neglecting those duties. It also highlights the critical role of legal representation in securing justice for victims of personal injury incidents.
