$250,000 Recovered in Premises Liability Case

$250,000 recovered for a client who suffered eye injuries from a chemical spill at a grocery store. Our client was shopping at a local grocery store when she reached for a bottle of household cleaner. Unbeknownst to her, the cap had been improperly secured. As she lifted the bottle, the toxic chemical spilled onto her face and into her eyes, causing immediate pain and injury.

Despite the legal challenges, particularly because our client had preexisting eye irritation and vision issues related to an autoimmune condition known as Sjögren’s disease, we were able to secure a $250,000 settlement. Notably, she did not incur significant medical expenses, which meant her net recovery was substantially higher than what many might expect in similar cases.

Despite her preexisting condition, we successfully demonstrated that the chemical spill significantly aggravated her already compromised vision, leading to a settlement that brought her long-overdue closure after such a sudden and traumatic incident.

Sjögren’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own moisture-producing glands, primarily affecting the eyes and mouth. Patients commonly suffer from dry eyes, irritation, light sensitivity, and in some cases, progressive vision complications due to inadequate tear production and long-term inflammation.

In the context of this case, our client’s preexisting diagnosis of Sjögren’s disease made her eyes especially vulnerable. The absence of natural lubrication not only increased the severity of the chemical exposure, but also complicated the healing process. While insurance defense argued that her symptoms were entirely preexisting, we were able to show that the chemical spill exacerbated her condition, triggering acute pain, prolonged inflammation, and an undeniable decline in visual comfort and function.

By establishing the clear distinction between her baseline symptoms and the measurable worsening caused by the incident, we successfully overcame a major legal hurdle, ensuring the client’s injuries were acknowledged and justly compensated.