Case Study: $1M Settlement for Chef Injured in Kitchen Slip and Fall in New York

De Caro & Kaplen obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for a chef who slipped on a wet kitchen floor that lacked proper matting and safe maintenance. The fall caused a concussion and post-concussive syndrome, leaving him with lasting cognitive and physical impairments.

Background

While working in a restaurant kitchen, our client slipped on a wet floor and struck his head, sustaining a concussion. The fall was not an isolated incident — an inspection revealed that the floor consistently became slippery due to poor maintenance practices, and no protective matting had been installed. Despite knowing the dangers posed by wet kitchen floors, the property owners did not take basic safety precautions.

Establishing Liability

We built a strong case by:

• Inspecting the premises, which showed that water routinely collected on the floor without being promptly cleaned.
• Showing the kitchen floor lacked proper matting and other measures to give workers a safe walking surface.
• Deposing the property owners to show their awareness of the hazard and failure to take reasonable steps to prevent slips and falls.
• Retaining property maintenance experts to explain the industry standards for safe flooring, including proper mopping, drainage, and non-slip surfaces.

Through this evidence, we proved that the unsafe conditions were preventable.

Showing our Clients’ Brain Injury

The fall resulted in a concussion and development of the post-concussive syndrome, leaving our client with:

• Persistent headaches and dizziness
• Serious balance difficulties
• Cognitive impairments affecting memory, focus, and processing
• Ongoing challenges performing everyday tasks and continuing his career as a chef

To present these damages, we:

• Retained a neurologist to explain how striking his head on the floor caused the concussion and brain damage. Our expert also evaluated the emergency department records, our client’s treatment records and explained the long-term consequences of the concussion.
• Our firm hired a neuropsychologist to perform comprehensive testing and document cognitive impairments.
• We compiled extensive medical evidence and the assistance of individuals who knew our client before this incident to illustrate how the injury profoundly affected our client’s quality of life and ability to work.
  Outcome

With clear proof of negligence and detailed medical testimony, we secured a $1,000,000 settlement on behalf of our client. This recovery provided financial security, recognition of the long-term effects of his injuries, and accountability for the property owners’ failure to maintain a safe workplace.

When property owners fail to keep their premises safe, the consequences can change lives forever. Our firm is committed to helping injured individuals and their families hold negligent parties accountable. We investigate thoroughly, work with top experts, and fight for the full compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives after an accident caused by careless conduct.

If you suffered injury in a slip and fall accident in New York caused by the negligence of a third-party, the slip and fall attorneys at De Caro & Kaplen can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.