Johnson & Bell Secures Directed Verdict in Indiana Hospital Fall Suit, Plaintiff Appeal Turned Down

In 2024 Johnson & Bell represented St. Mary Medical Center (SMMC) in the premises liability matter (Espinoza v. St. Mary Medical Center Inc.). The suit stemmed from a fall the plaintiff experienced when she was visiting the hospital.  While being led through the building by a security guard, the plaintiff tripped on two floor mats and sued the hospital. The case went to trial, and SMMC was represented by a former J&B shareholder and associate Kyle Farris, who argued that SMMC had no notice or knowledge of a dangerous condition. The plaintiff rested her case on the second day of trial, and Farris introduced a motion for a directed verdict, which the trial judge granted for SMMC on the evidence. On appeal, which was handled by J&B shareholder Michael Sarafin with assistance from Farris, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment in favor of SMMC, and the Indiana Supreme Court denied transfer, concluding the case in favor of our client.