Yale New Haven Hospital Wins Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Over Loose Grate
Table of Contents
Case Background
Loretta Pharr, a Meriden resident, filed a negligence suit against Yale New Haven Hospital, Inc. She visited the hospital on August 6, 2021, as an invitee. The hospital operated and maintained its premises at 20 York Street in New Haven. Pharr was in a public area open to visitors. Grady & Riley LLP filed the case on her behalf in Connecticut Superior Court.
Events Leading to the Legal Dispute
Pharr exited the hospital after visiting a family member. She tripped over a floor grate near the entrance. The grate sat unevenly due to a loose bolt. The area had metal floor grates installed for some time. The hospital failed to inspect, repair, or warn about the dangerous condition. A nearby security guard confirmed the bolt was loose. The hospital, responsible for upkeep, did not manage the hazard. Its failure to ensure a safe entryway allegedly caused the incident.
Plaintiff’s Injuries and Their Impact
Pharr fell over the loose grate and suffered immediate injury. She was transported to the Emergency Room at Yale New Haven Hospital. She injured her back and sustained a laceration to her foot. The fall caused significant physical and mental pain. Her injuries disrupted daily functioning and reduced life’s enjoyment. Some injuries may be permanent. Emotional effects included anxiety and distress, with possible long-term impact.
Claimed Damages
Pharr incurred medical costs, including emergency care, x-rays, medications, and rehabilitation. She expected to spend more on future treatment. The lawsuit claimed damages for pain, loss of enjoyment, and mental anguish. Pharr requested monetary relief, post-judgment interest, and court costs. She also sought any further relief the court deemed just and proper.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Loretta Pharr
Counsel for Plaintiff:
Defendant: Yale New Haven Hospital, Inc.
Counsel for Defendant: Miles N. Esty
Claims
Negligence and Breach of Duty
Yale New Haven Hospital, Inc. was responsible for maintaining its premises in a reasonably safe condition for invitees. On August 6, 2021, Loretta Pharr exited the hospital and tripped over a metal floor grate that was allegedly loose and uneven. Pharr had been exercising reasonable care. The hospital either knew or should have known about the hazardous condition but failed to inspect, repair, or warn. This omission created an unsafe environment and constituted a breach of its duty of care under premises liability principles.
Physical and Emotional Injuries
Pharr suffered a back injury and a foot laceration as a result of the fall. She experienced physical pain and mental suffering. These injuries limited her daily activities and caused emotional distress, some of which may be permanent.
Economic Damages
Pharr incurred costs for emergency care, x-rays, medication, and follow-up treatment. The incident also led to missed work and financial strain. Ongoing care may result in further expenses.
Compensation
Pharr sought monetary damages, post-judgment interest, and costs. She also requested any additional relief the court found just and proper.
Defense
Yale New Haven Hospital, Inc. admitted it operated the premises at 20 York Street and that Loretta Pharr was an invitee owed a duty of care. However, it denied key allegations, including that the floor grate was unsecured or that the premises were unsafe. The Hospital claimed it lacked sufficient knowledge to confirm many of the plaintiff’s assertions and required her to prove them in court.
It rejected all claims of negligence, denying responsibility for the alleged conditions, the cause of the fall, and the extent of Pharr’s injuries. As a special defense, the Hospital argued that Pharr’s own contributory negligence, failing to watch her step, notice the alleged defect, or act with reasonable care, caused her injuries.
Jury Verdict
On January 24, 2025, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant, Yale New Haven Hospital, Inc., against the plaintiff, Loretta Pharr. The jury found no liability on the part of the hospital and awarded no damages.
Court Documents