Patricia Washington vs. Bin Pham d/b/a Diamond’s Nail Supply

Case Background

On February 14, 2023, Plaintiff  Patricia Washington filed a  Personal Injury lawsuit in the Connecticut Superior Court, New Haven Judicial District(Case number: NNH-CV23-6130206-S). This case was assigned to Angelica Papastavros.

Cause

Patricia Washington experienced a severe salon accident on January 30, 2021, at Diamond’s Nail Supply and Beauty Salon, located at 1029 Boston Post Road in West Haven, Connecticut. The premises liability incident occurred around 1:00 PM when Washington, a lawful business invitee, sat in a salon chair. The defective chair suddenly failed, breaking without warning and throwing her violently to the ground. Binh Pham, who operated the business as a sole proprietor under both Diamond’s Nail Supply and Diamond Nail & Beauty Supply, LLC, maintained direct control over the premises. The nail salon injury occurred due to multiple oversight failures. Staff neglected to conduct routine safety inspections, failed to post warning signs near the hazardous equipment, and did not block access to the dangerous chair. The investigation revealed that the business either knew or should have known about the compromised chair but did not take proper safety measures to protect customers.

Injuries

The negligence at the nail salon caused severe trauma to multiple areas of Washington’s spine. Medical professionals documented significant cervical spine injuries extending through her thoracic region. The salon chair injury also affected her lumbar spine, creating a comprehensive pattern of spinal trauma. These injuries led to intense physical pain and suffering. Medical experts determined that the injuries showed signs of permanence, suggesting long-term or lifelong effects. The premises liability injuries had a cascading impact, limiting Washington’s mobility and daily functioning

Damages

The salon negligence case caused substantial financial and personal losses for Washington. She faced mounting medical expenses, including specialized treatments, prescription medications, and ongoing therapy. The injury required multiple medical appointments, significantly reducing her time at work and impacting her earning capacity, as she could no longer perform her job at her previous level. Washington also suffered severe mental anguish and psychological distress resulting from the accident. The incident diminished her quality of life, restricting her ability to enjoy previous activities. Medical professionals projected ongoing expenses for future treatments, suggesting a continued financial impact.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Patricia Washington
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: J. Webber, III
  • Defendant(s):Bin Pham d/b/a Diamond’s Nail Supply
    • Counsel for Defendants:Cara K. Hale

Claims

Washington filed a personal injury lawsuit seeking significant compensation for the nail salon’s negligence. Her legal team brought claims against both business entities—Binh Pham’s sole proprietorship and Diamond Nail & Beauty Supply, LLC. The premises liability lawsuit emphasized the defendants’ failure to maintain safe salon equipment and prevent dangerous conditions for customers. Washington’s claim highlighted the breach of duty owed to business invitees and sought compensatory damages for both current and future impacts of her injuries. The lawsuit requested appropriate relief, subject to the court’s assessment of the sustained damages.

Defense

In response to Washington’s Personal Injury lawsuit, Binh Pham, operating as Diamond’s Nail Supply, admitted ownership and acknowledged that Washington was present as an invitee on January 30, 2021. However, the defendant denied all allegations regarding the chair incident, resulting injuries, and claimed damages.

In their special defense, Pham’s legal team argued that Washington bore full responsibility for her injuries and damages. They claimed Washington failed to maintain proper vigilance while using the salon chair and neglected to exercise due caution in her actions and movements. Furthermore, the defense contended she failed to avoid conditions she later claimed were dangerous, suggesting she should have recognized and avoided any hazards. They emphasized that Washington did not exercise reasonable care for the circumstances and failed to use her senses properly while at the salon.

The second defendant, Diamond Nail & Beauty Supply, LLC, had been withdrawn from the case, leaving Binh Pham as the sole defendant operating under Diamond’s Nail Supply. Through their attorney, Cara K. Hale of the Law Offices of David J. Mathis, the defense sought to shift the responsibility onto the plaintiff’s actions and choices during her salon visit.

Jury Verdict

On October 30, 2024, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant, Binh Pham, and ruled against Plaintiff Patricia Washington. After carefully reviewing the evidences and arguments presented by both parties, the jury found that Washington did not meet the burden of proof required to establish Pham’s liability for her injuries in a Personal Injury lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Complaint

Answer

Jury Verdict