You Be the Judge of This Bingo Case......

Hiya Bingo Buds,

I just read a case that was settled in court and was hoping i could get some opinions on whether the court was wrong or right......

A bingo worker in Davison, Michigan fell on the icy parking lot in 2008. Mary Walder 74 at the time had to have surgery with 10 screws in her ankle.

She sued the church and the the Lansing Roman Catholic Diocese. She lost the case with the court stating that the accident could of been avoided if she had used another entrance into the church.

Do you think she was doomed from the start trying to fight something as powerful as the church and her case was unfairly treated? Or was the court right in saying she should of used another door.

Lips

Hi Lips, I think she was treated unfairly, If any door is unlocked for anyone to open, then it could of happened to anyone who went out using that door. I think the church should have at least paid for the medical bills. and that door should be locked permanently.

Lucy

I agree, she was treated unfairly. The church has a duty to keep all entrances safe, not just one or two... thus they were negligent in not making all available entries safe, as a reasonable and prudent person would expect them to be.

If they could see that there was even the possibility of danger it would be proper to post warnings (like "Caution Wet Floor" signs are required).

And yes, if it is determined it can not be made safe and warnings are insufficient, then the entrance should not be available for use by the public and should be clearly marked to that effect.

I guess my experience working with two PI's is popping out here, but we did work on many slip and fall cases.

katt

I think she should of won too. Just makes you wonder if the court was lenient on the church and she was going up against a tough defense.

That is what can be so frustrating because it all depends who you are fighting against. The Roman Catholic church is going to have a lot more power over this poor elderly woman.

Lips

Well, I guess I was expecting a bit more compassion from a church! :(

Well, I guess I was expecting a bit more compassion from a church! :(

Yep I agree Johnny.

I think she should have won the case.  She fell in an icy parking lot and therefore, it should have been gritted as part of standard health and safety surely.

I hope she appeals.

blue

Are they serious??? She should've used another door??? Not like she was carelessly gliding around the frozen grass and busted her butt. She fell on at the entrance to the church. Hello! Publicly accessible entrance and it was her responsibility to make sure it was safe? OMFG that's irritating!

it goes to show how much power the church has coz if it was any other case involving anyone else she would have won..... sad :(