$1,775,000 Settlement

Case Overview

Our client was a long-term guest at a hotel in Texas. While entering the hotel, she fell due to dangerously uneven stepping stones and broken concrete near the front entrance. The fall caused a fractured acetabulum and a dislocated hip—injuries that required emergency surgery, hospitalization, and led to long-term disability.

Incident Details

One morning, our client was walking toward the entrance of the hotel when her foot landed on unstable, uneven stepping stones and crumbled pieces of concrete. Without warning, the loose ground shifted, and she fell hard onto the pavement.

The hotel manager, who was outside at the time, witnessed the incident. Unable to stand, our client was left on the ground in pain. The manager—lacking proper safety protocols or a wheelchair—brought her a luggage cart to climb onto so she wouldn’t be seen lying injured in front of the hotel.

An ambulance was called, and she was transported to a hospital, where X-rays confirmed a fractured left acetabulum and a dislocated left hip. She was then transferred to a larger hospital for emergency orthopedic surgery and remained hospitalized for a week.

Unsafe Property Conditions

The area where the fall occurred was in clear disrepair, with cracked curbs and unstable paving stones leading up to the entrance. There were no warning signs, no barriers, and no attempt to block off or fix the dangerous condition before the incident.

Shortly after the fall, the hotel quickly remodeled the entrance area—an apparent attempt to conceal the hazard. Fortunately, a law enforcement officer captured photos of the site before and after the changes. These images played a critical role in proving liability.

The Hotel’s Response

Instead of assisting or showing concern, the hotel turned its back on our client. Management refused to provide an incident report and began ignoring her calls. While she was still recovering in the hospital, the manager sent messages demanding additional payment and informed her that she was no longer welcome at the hotel.

Once released from the hospital and using a wheelchair, she was told she could not return to her room. This treatment came despite her lengthy stay and the thousands of dollars she had paid.

Our Legal Strategy

Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP immediately stepped in to protect our client’s rights. Our team:

• Collected photographic evidence of the unsafe condition and rapid repairs
• Documented communications from hotel management showing refusal to assist
• Demonstrated the physical, financial, and emotional impact of the injury
• Built a comprehensive premises liability case supported by medical records and witness testimony

Result

Through detailed investigation and relentless legal advocacy, we secured a $1,775,000 settlement on behalf of our client. This result reflects the hotel’s clear negligence and its unacceptable refusal to take responsibility. The recovery ensures our client has the financial support needed for long-term care, stability, and a fresh start after life-altering injuries and mistreatment.

Justice for Injury Victims

When property owners fail to maintain safe environments, innocent people get hurt. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we relentlessly pursue justice for those injured by dangerous conditions—no matter how powerful the opponent.

If you’ve been injured on unsafe property, contact us today for a free consultation.  We’re here to fight for you.