Dallas, Texas — A jury in Dallas County has awarded $9.45 million to a 74-year-old man who sustained injuries while walking his dog at the Hotel Crescent Court. The verdict followed a weeklong trial in the 162nd Judicial District Court, where jurors examined the hotel’s negligence in maintaining safe conditions for its guests.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on March 6, 2021, when James Shelton McClure and his wife, who were staying at the hotel following damage to their home from a major winter storm the previous month, encountered an empty fountain basin in the hotel’s courtyard. The basin, approximately two feet deep, had been drained due to the freezing temperatures that affected much of Texas, leaving residents without electricity.
The lawsuit revealed that the area surrounding the basin was poorly lit and lacked any safety measures, such as barriers or warning signs, which could have alerted guests to the hidden danger. McClure’s attorney, Tim Newsom, stated that the hotel operators neglected basic safety protocols, failing to provide adequate lighting in accordance with building codes.
As a direct result of his fall into the basin, McClure underwent four surgeries to address a severe ankle injury that ultimately required complete replacement. The fall also exacerbated a preexisting neck condition, resulting in nerve damage to his dominant hand.
The jury assessed fault in the incident, finding McClure 5% responsible for the accident, while attributing 95% of the liability to Hotel Crescent Court. An attorney representing the hotel, Wesley Alost, did not respond to inquiries for comments on the verdict.
This ruling underscores the critical importance of property safety, particularly in hospitality settings. The outcome reinforces community expectations for hotels to prioritize guest safety alongside their property maintenance.
The case serves as a reminder of the potential hazards that may lurk unnoticed and the need for establishments to ensure safe environments for their patrons, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
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