Slip and fall accidents can happen in a variety of settings. Sometimes they occur in a public venue such as a store. Other times they happen on private property. In still other situations they take place while someone is working. Earlier this month Canadian tennis player, Eugenie Bouchard, found herself forced to withdraw from the U.S. Open after a fall she took in a training room at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Following a match, Bouchard went to the locker room. Before leaving for a short amount of time to talk to the press, she told a trainer that she would return to take an ice bath. When she made her return, the lights were off and all staff had left. As she walked through a training room to get to the ice bath, she slipped on the slick floor, landing on her elbow and head.
After the fall, Bouchard went to the emergency room for treatment. Despite having suffered a concussion in the fall she tried to continue with the tournament. The next day she suffered from a headache, sore neck and experienced sensitivity to light and noise–all symptoms of a concussion. Eventually she conceded that she was not feeling well enough to play and withdrew from the tournament.
In addition to being forced to withdraw from the tournament, Bouchard may have lost some money. If she had won the next round she would have earned an additional $197,000 in U.S. money. If she is unable to play in future tournaments while she recovers, she could lose even more.
When something like this happens in Ontario, it is possible the injured individual could file a personal injury lawsuit against parties whose negligence led to the injury occurring. Whether Bouchard will file a lawsuit against the USTA remains to be seen. If she does, and is successful, she could recover damages.