Triumph Over Tragedy: A $705,000 Victory in a Slip and Fall Case
At a New Jersey casino, on what seemed like an ordinary day, a customer accidentally dropped a cup of coffee on the casino floor. Unbeknownst to the plaintiff, this seemingly minor event would lead to significant consequences. As he walked across the main casino floor, he slipped on the spilled coffee, which had been on the floor for precisely 5.40 minutes. The fall resulted in a severe injury to his right shoulder, necessitating surgical intervention.
The defense argued that the large cup of coffee was “open and obvious” and had not been on the ground for more than seven minutes, thus absolving them of liability. They further contended that the plaintiff’s injuries were pre-existing, citing a shoulder injection received two months prior and a history of right shoulder pain spanning 11 years.
Despite the defendants’ arguments, the firm of Beninato and Matrafajlo successfully secured a $705,000 compensation for the plaintiff. This recovery was awarded for purely non-economic damages, a testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to their client’s cause and the acknowledgment of the plaintiff’s pain and suffering.
This case underscores the critical importance of expert legal representation in personal injury cases. It demonstrates that even when the odds seem stacked against you, with the right team, justice can prevail.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Beninato and Matrafajlo for a consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
