A $600,000 Jury Verdict for an Avoidable Injury in Clallam County
When an elderly Washington homeowner fell through an uncovered hole in his bathroom floor, it wasn’t just an accident. It was the result of careless, unsafe work by a company that should have known better.
At Bastion Law, we took the case to trial — and won.
Here’s how we held the company accountable, and what this case means for anyone injured because someone else didn’t do their job safely.
The Background
Our client was enjoying a well-earned retirement in Clallam County with his wife. They lived on a quiet piece of property, where they spent their days gardening, fishing, and hiking the Olympic Peninsula.
In the summer of 2018, they discovered a soft spot near the toilet in their master bathroom. A leak had rotted the subfloor. They hired a local restoration company to help.
That company, a franchise of a national brand, promised to remove damaged materials and leave the space safe. But what they left behind was a hidden hazard: a hole in the bathroom floor, covered only with black plastic sheeting.
No plywood. No warning signs. No barrier.
The Fall
A few days later, our client entered the bathroom to grab a few personal items. As he turned toward the shower area, he stepped on the plastic and fell through the floor.
The result: a fractured femur, emergency medical care, and months of painful recovery. Our client spent more than three months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. At 80 years old, every day of healing was difficult.
Despite all of this, the restoration company refused to take responsibility.
The Trial
We filed suit in Clallam County Superior Court. The evidence showed the restoration crew violated clear industry safety rules — including their own company guidelines — by leaving an open, unguarded hole in a residential home.
Their internal manuals stated that:
- Holes in floors must be covered or barricaded
- Safety for both workers and customers is a top priority
- Falls are among the most common causes of serious injuries on worksites
Yet they left without proper protection in place, telling the homeowner only to “watch out for the plastic.”
Our team brought forward construction safety professionals, medical experts, and personal testimony from our client’s friends and family. They described a once-active man now limited in movement, unable to enjoy the outdoor life he had built in retirement.
The Verdict
After hearing the full story, the jury found in our client’s favor. The result:
A $600,000 jury verdict for our client, holding the restoration company accountable for the harm their negligence caused.
Why It Matters
This wasn’t just a fall. It was a preventable injury caused by a company that failed to follow basic safety practices.
At Bastion Law, we don’t take shortcuts and we don’t let others get away with taking them either. When companies violate trust and cut corners, we push back in court.
Not every case settles quietly. Some require standing in front of a jury and making the case. We’re built for that. And insurance companies and their contractors know it.
Have You Been Hurt Because Someone Didn’t Do Their Job?
We help injured Washington residents hold negligent businesses and property owners accountable. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury because someone failed to follow safety rules, talk to us.
We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless you do.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today