Brett Carter and Robert Cardenas obtained a $1.2 million dollar unanimous jury verdict in Hill vs. Excalibur on Friday, May 27, 2011, in District Court’s Dept. 19. An Excalibur Hotel and Casino chair broke, causing its guest, Jack Hill, to fall back, strike his head on a gaming table, and land on a piece of the chair. Mr. Hill underwent multi-level spine surgery by Robert Hart, M.D., in Portland, Oregon.
Mr. Hill’s physicians testified that his preexisting condition, Ankylosing Spondylitis, made him more susceptible to injury and worsened his outcome. Damages included past and future medical expenses, increased pain and disability, and loss of consortium for the wife, Kristin Hill. The Excalibur admitted liability but contested damages, arguing that Mr. Hill should have returned back to his pre-accident status in 6 to 12 weeks. The jury was out approximately one hour.