Trial Magazine

Devoura Willis, 34, was shopping at an outdoor mall in Minnesota on a winter day. She tripped on a pile of salt just outside the door of a retail store and fell to the sidewalk. She suffered neck and back injuries, which led to cervical and lumbar spinal surgeries. Her medical expenses totaled $650,000. An administrative assistant, she incurred $250,000 in lost income.

Willis sued Premium Outlet Partners, LP, alleging liability for the incident. The defense contested liability and medical causation.

The plaintiff was awarded approximately $1.75 million and found to be 50% at fault. Added interest, costs, and penalties brought the total award to approximately $1.25 million.

Citation: Willis v. Premium Outlet Partners, LP, No. 86-CV-18-4930 (Minn. Dist. Ct. Wright Cnty. Mar. 3, 2022).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Eric Palmer and Rachel Smith, both of Minneapolis.