From
May 2002 Update
Chapter 1. Anatomy of a Slip and
Fall
§100 Introduction
§110 Slip and Fall Elements
§111 Victim
§112 Hazard
§113 Causal Link
§114 Injury
§120 Burden of Proof
§121 Dangerous Condition
§122 Duty
§122.1 Control of Premises
§122.2 Ordinary Care
§122.3 Statutory Duty
§123 Notice
§123.1 Actual Notice
§123.2 Constructive Notice
§124 Breach
§125 Causation
§125.1 Injury Consistent With Hazard
§126 Damages
§126.1 Special Damages
§126.2 General Damages
§126.3 Punitive Damages
§126.4 Evaluation of Damages
§130 Defense Elements
§131 Lack of Hazard or Notice
§132 Other Defenses
§140 Downside Factors
§141 Comparative Fault
§142 Special Duty Problems
§143 Notice Problems
§144 Inconsistent Statements
§145 Changes in Condition of Accident Site
§150 Documenting Hazard
§151 Witnesses
§151.1 Paramedics and Other Emergency Medical Personnel
§151.2 Percipient Witnesses
§151.3 Store Personnel
§152 Statements and Reports
§152.1 Client Statements
§152.2 Incident Reports
§152.3 Inspection Reports
§153 Physical Evidence
§153.1 Shoes
§153.2 Clothing
§153.3 Debris or Other Foreign Material
§154 Photographs
§155 Measurements
§160 Initial Evaluation Checklist
§170 Ten Ways to Guarantee the Loss of Your Case
Chapter 2. Premises Liability Law
§200 Introduction
§201 Common Law
§202 Modern Elimination of Categories
§203 Common Carriers
§210 Plaintiff’s Status
§211 Trespassing Adults
§212 Trespassing Children
§213 Licensees
§213.1 Duty to Warn
§214 Invitees
§214.1 Knowledge of Dangerous Condition
§214.2 Special Duties
§215 Limited Immunity for Recreational Use of Land
§220 Landlord and Tenant
§230 Notice
§231 Actual Notice
§232 Constructive Notice
§232.1 Defendant’s Creation of Hazardous Condition
§232.2 Frequency of Inspections
§232.3 Notice Applies to Plaintiff and Defendant
§232.4 Foreseeability
§233 Duty to Inspect for Hazards Caused by Others
§233.1 Self-Service Retail Stores
§233.2 Mode of Operation
§240 Strict Liability
§241 Landlords
§250 Plaintiff’s Negligence
§251 Contributory Negligence and Comparative Fault
§252 Assumption of Risk
§252.1 The Fireman’s Rule
§260 Negligence Per Se
§261 Defense to Negligence Per Se
§262 Did Defect Cause Accident?
§270 Jury Instructions
§280 Government Tort Actions
§281 Public Duty
§281.1 Dangerous Condition
§281.1.1 Trivial Defect
§282 Pleading and Practice
§283-284 [Reserved]
§285 Governmental Immunity
§285.1 Discretionary Immunity
§285.2 Design Immunity
§285.3 Design v. Negligence
§290 Special Statutory Actions
Chapter 3. Mechanics of Walking
§300 Introduction
§310 Normal Stride
§311 Level Walking Surfaces
§311.1 Effect of Changes in Traction
§312 Ramps and Sloped Surfaces
§313 Forces Generated on Stairs and Risers
§320 Gait and Cadence
§321 Walking Speed
§321.1 Interior vs. Exterior Surfaces
§321.2 Effects of Aging
§321.3 Physical Impairments
§321.4 Arm Functions
§321.5 Slipping Experiments
§322 Vertical Elevation Changes
§322.1 Walkways
§322.1.1 Trivial Defects
§322.1.2 Depressions and Holes
§322.2 Stairways
§322.3 Curbs and Risers
§322.4 Tire Stops
Figure 3.1 Handicapped Parking Space
Figure 3.2 Tire Stop and Standard Parking Stall Dimensions
§322.5 Speed Bumps
§330 Balance and Perception
§331 Cone of Vision
§332 Visual Clues or Flags
§332.1 Color Contrast
§332.2 Lighting and Illumination
§332.3 Orientation Edges
§332.4 Tire Stops
§333 Distractions
§333.1 Orientation Edges
§333.2 Geometric Patterns
§333.3 Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic
§333.4 Point-of-Purchase Displays
§340 Checklist: Evaluating a Walkway
Chapter 4. Measurements and Testing
§400 Introduction
§410 Coefficient of Friction
§411 Commonly Used Measurements
§412 Measurement Techniques
§412.1 Laboratory Testing
§412.2 Field Testing
§412.3 Portable Articulated Strut Tester (PAST)
§412.4 Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Tester (PIAST)
§412.5 English XL Slip Resistance Tester
§412.5.1 Precision and Bias
§412.6 Other Testing Methods
§413 Errors in Measurement
§414 Correlating Methods
§415 Acceptable Coefficients of Friction
§415.1 Special Requirements
§415.2 Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces
§416 Standard Setting Procedures
Table 416A: ASTM Standard Methods for Measuring Coefficient of Friction
or Slip Resistance
Table 416B: ASTM Standards for Reporting and Interpreting Test Data
§420 Dimensional Measurements
§420.1 Types of Measurement Devices
§420.1.1 Wood Measuring Devices
§420.1.2 Metal Rules and Tapes
§420.1.3 Electronic Measuring Devices
§421 Stairway Dimensions
§421.1 Treads and Risers
Figure 4.1: Combination Square
§421.2 Handrails
§421.3 Headroom
§421.4 Slope
§421.5 Single Risers
§422 Ramp Measurement
§422.1 Slope
Figure 4.2: Ramp Slope
§422.2 Handrails
§422.3 Markings
§430 Lighting
§431 Proper Measuring Equipment
§432 Acceptable Values of Incident Light
§433 Recommended Lighting Standards
Table: Light Intensity Values
§440 Shoes and Footwear
§441 Coefficient of Friction
§442 Shoe Material
§443 Straps and Construction
§444 Shoe Design
Figure 4.3: Toe and Heel Spring
Figure 4.4: Woman’s Shoe Heel
§450 Field Testing Checklist
Sample: Field Testing Checklist
§460 Expert’s Report
Sample: Expert’s Report on Testing Results
Chapter 5. Building Codes
§500 Purpose and Use of Building Codes
§501 Application to Existing Buildings
§502 Negligence Per Se
§503 Industry Standards
§510 Common Terminology
§520 Model Building Codes
§521 Exits, Exit Access and Exit Discharge
§521.1 Scope and Intent of the International Building Code
§522 Corridors
§523 Elevation Changes
§524 Doors and Thresholds
§525 Stairs
§525.1 Rise and Run
§525.2 Handrails
§525.3 Stairway Construction
§526 Ramps and Inclined Walkways
§526.1 Maximum Ramp Slope
§526.2 High Traction Requirements
§530 Exit Lighting
§531 Illuminating Engineering Society
§540 Local and Special Codes
§550 Handicapped Access Standard
§551 Purpose and Scope
§552 Applicability
§553 Definitions
§554 Parking Aisles
§555 Elevation Changes
§556 Ramps
§557 Stairways
§560 Building Code Checklist
§570 Diagrams and Illustrations
Figure 5.1: Rise and Run
Figure 5.2: Safety Tread Designs for Disabled Persons
Figure 5.3: Ramps
Figure 5.4: Stairway Features
Figure 5.5: Handrail Placement
Figure 5.6: Handrail Cross Section
Figure 5.7: Light Intensity Diagram
Figure 5.8: Angle of Ascent
Figure 5.9: Cone of Vision
§580 Exit Checklists
§581 Stairways
§582 Ramps
§583 Doors
§584 Sidewalks and Walkways
Chapter 6. Common Cases, Problems
and Requirements
§600
Introduction
§610 Elements of Liability
§611 Sufficiency Test
§611.1 The Hazard
§611.2 Duty
§611.3 Breach
§611.4 Causation
§611.5 Damages
§612 Obtainable Facts
§612.1 Witnesses
§612.2 Documentation
§612.2.1 Photographs
§612.2.2 Police or Incident Reports
§612.2.3 Emergency Medical Treatment Reports
§612.2.4 Hospital Records
§612.2.5 Newspapers and Public Records
§612.3 Discovery
§612.3.1 Depositions
§612.3.2 Interrogatories
§612.3.3 Requests to Produce Documents
§612.4 Expert Inspections
§613 Credibility of Evidence
§613.1 Bias of Witnesses
§613.2 Hearsay
§613.2.1 Non-admissible
§613.2.2 Admissible
§613.3 Impeachment Evidence
§620 Proving the Hazard
§620.1 Physical Conditions
§620.2 Recordation and Preservation of Evidence
§620.3 Expert Evaluation
§620.4 Additional Testing
§620.5 Discovery
§630 Duty
§630.1 Common Law
§630.2 Statutory
§630.2.1 Building Codes
§630.2.2 Governmental Standards
§630.2.3 OSHA Standards
§630.3 Industry Standards
§630.4 Status of Defendant
§630.4.1 Property Owner
§630.4.2 Occupier of Property
§630.4.2.1 Tenant
§630.4.2.2 Permissive User
§630.4.2.3 Contractor
§640 Breach
§641 Acts of Omission
§642 Acts of Commission
§643 Evidence Prove the Breach
§643.1 Custom and Practice
§643.1.1 Witnesses
§643.1.2 Writings
§643.1.3 Admissions
§643.2 Time line
§650 Causation
§651 Link Between Breach (Control) and Hazard
§652 Link Between Hazard and Accident
§653 Link Between Accident and Injury
§654 Link Between Injury and Damages
§660 Damages
§661 Type of Injury
§662 Type of Proof
§670 Mechanics of Litigation
§671 Venue
§672 Availability of Witnesses
§673 Co-operation of Party
§674 Jurisdiction
§680 Bottom Line Evaluation
§690 Case Evaluation Checklist
Chapter 7. Pleadings
§700 Introduction
§710 Complaint
§711 Scope and Purpose
§712 Necessary Elements
§712.1 Parties
§712.2 Accident
§712.3 Defendant’s Duty
§712.4 Defendant’s Negligence
§712.5 Injury
§712.6 Damages
§713 Adequacy of Allegations
§720 Answer
§721 Scope and Purpose
§722 Necessary Elements
§722.1 Effective Denials
§722.2 Affirmative Defenses
§723 Answering Other Pleadings
§730 Additional Pleadings
§731 Cross-Complaint
§732 Complaint-in-Intervention
§733 Default Judgment
§734 Demur and Motion to Strike
§740 Sample Pleadings
§741 Complaint
Sample: Complaint for Damages Arising From Negligence and Strict
Liability
§742 Answer
Sample: Answer With Affirmative Defenses
Chapter 8. Depositions
§800 Introduction
§801 Video Depositions
§802 Drawings and Demonstrations
§810 Plaintiff’s Deposition
§811 Accident Facts
§812 Mechanics of Fall
§813 Notice
§814 Visual Warnings
§815 Plaintiff’s Observations
§816 Footwear, Photographs and Clothing
§817 Percipient Witnesses
§818 Floor Plans
§820 Defendant’s Deposition
§821 Inspections
§822 Maintenance
§823 Repairs
§824 Incident Reports
§825 Citations
§826 Prior Accidents
§827 Industry Standards
§830 Witness Depositions
§831 Mechanics and Location of Fall
§832 Witness Observations
§832.1 Debris or Liquid
§832.2 Walkway Conditions
§832.3 Lighting
§832.4 Distractions
§840 Plaintiff’s Expert
§841 Background and Qualifications
§842 Bias
§843 Review of Documents
§844 Field Investigation
§845 Conclusions and Opinions
§850 Defense Expert
§851 Reasonable Propositions
§852 Special Knowledge
§860 Deposition Kit
Sample: Treating Physician
Sample: Eye Witness to Accident
Sample: Defense Expert
Sample: Plaintiff’s Expert
Sample: Store Manager
Sample: Maintenance Personnel
Sample: Street Superintendent
Sample: Property Manager
Sample: Playground Supervisor
Sample: Playground Maintenance Worker
Chapter 9. Production of Documents,
Interrogatories and Inspection Demands
§900 Introduction
§910 Production of Documents
§911 Incident Reports
§912 Plans, Prints and Specifications
§913 Certificate of Occupancy
§914 Property Maintenance Policies
§915 Maintenance Records
§915.1 Training Records
§915.2 Sweep Sheets
§915.3 Stripping and Waxing Records
§916 Photographs
§920 Interrogatories
§921 Timing of Service
§922 Handling Objections
§923 Plaintiff’s Interrogatories
§924 Defendant’s Interrogatories
§924.1 Plaintiff’s Response
§925 Special Interrogatories
§930 Inspection Demands
§931 Demand for Production of Documents
§940 Requests for Admissions
§941.1 Derivation
§941.2 Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
§941.2.1 Admissions may be to Fact or Opinions
§942 Procedures
§942.1 Strategies and Tactics
§942.2 Protective Orders and Objections
§942.3 Timing and Limits
§942.4 Format of Requests
§942.4.1 Requests for Admissions as a Discovery Tool
§942.5 Coordination with Other Discovery
§950 Sample Discovery
§951 Interrogatories—Plaintiff to Defendant
Sample: Interrogatories
§952 Short Form Interrogatories
Sample: Short Form Interrogatories
§953 Notice to Produce
Sample: Notice to Produce
§953.1 Sample Document List for Production by Retailer
§954 Inspection Demand
Sample: Demand for Entry on and Inspection of Property
§955 Sample Protective Order (Trade Secrets)
Chapter 10. Selection and Use of
Expert Witnesses
§1000 Selecting Expert
§1000.1 Where to Find Experts
§1001 General Qualifications
§1001.1 Academic Background
§1001.2 Fields of Expertise
§1001.3 Human Factors
§1001.3.1 Human Factors Engineering
§1001.3.2 Qualifications
§1001.3.3 Human Factors in Slip and Fall Cases
§1001.3.4 Human Factors in Merchandising
§1001.4 Biomechanics
§1002 Practical Industry Experience
§1002.1 Custom and Practice
§1002.2 Knowledge of Construction
§1002.3 Safety Engineering
§1002.4 Ability to Explain Mechanics of Fall
§1003 Basis of Opinion
§1003.1 Photographic Evidence
§1003.2 On-Site Inspections
§1003.2.1 Accident Site Diagrams
§1003.3 Statutes and Codes
§1003.3.1 Building Codes
§1003.3.2 Housing Codes
§1003.3.3 Health and Safety Codes
§1003.3.4 OSHA and Safety Orders
§1004 Identifying Issues
§1004.1 Understanding Jury Instructions
§1004.2 Burden of Proof
§1004.3 Case Defects
§1005 Expert’s Assistance in Discovery
§1005.1 Production of Documents
§1005.2 Special Interrogatories
§1005.3 Depositions
§1005.3.1 Plaintiff
§1005.3.2 Defendant
§1005.3.3 Witness
§1005.3.4 Opposition’s Expert
§1006 Expert as Teacher
§1006.1 Educating Jury
§1006.2 Establishing Duty and Breach
§1007 Expert Selection Checklist
§1008 Disclosure of Expert Testimony
§1010 Expert’s Use at Trial
§1011 Preparing Expert
§1011.1 Pretrial Meeting
§1020 Expert’s File
§1030 Hypothetical Questions
§1040 Qualifying Expert
§1041 Occupation and Education
§1042 Past Experience
§1043 The Daubert Attack
§1050 Establishing Validity of Documents and Photographs
§1060 Obtaining Effective Testimony
§1070 Format of Direct Examination
§1080 Typical Background Questions and Answers
§1081 General Qualifications
§1082 Lack of Bias
§1083 Prior Qualification
§1084 Specialized Knowledge
§1085 Basis of Retention
§1090 Typical Substantive Questions and Answers
§1091 Slippery Surface Falls
§1091.1 Physical Examination of Store
§1091.2 Describing Accident Location
§1091.3 Coefficient of Friction Tests
§1091.3.1 Dynamic Impact Coefficient of Friction
§1091.3.2 Static Coefficient of Friction
§1091.3.3 Changes in Testing Standards
§1091.3.4 The Brungraber Mark II
§1091.3.5 The VIT Device
§1091.4 Acceptable Coefficient of Friction Levels
§1091.4.1 Studies That Indicate Coefficients of Friction Must Be
Greater Than 0.40
§1091.4.2 Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements
§1091.5 Manner of Walking Changes Frictional Requirements
§1091.5.1 Walking Down Ramp Increases Risk of Slipping
§1091.5.2 Few Materials Provide Sufficient Traction on Very Steep Ramps
§1091.6 Pedestrian’s Weight Does Not Change Coefficient of
Friction
§1091.7 Floor is Safe With Common Shoe Materials When Dry and Clean
§1091.8 Liquids Make Floor Slippery
§1091.9 Leafy Vegetable Matter Can Create Slipping Hazard
§1091.10 Expert Familiar with Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
§1091.11 Supermarket and Retail Industry Inspection and Sweeping
Policies
§1091.12 Most Stores Use Sweep Sheets to Document Sweeping and
Inspection
§1091.13 Sweep Sheets Are Reasonable Safety Management Device
§1091.14 Expert May Testify to Ultimate Fact in Most Jurisdictions
§1091.15 Hourly Sweeping and Inspection May Not Be Adequate
§1091.16 Hazard Is Unreasonable When it Can Be Reasonably Prevented
§1091.17 Inspections and Sweeping Alone May Not Be Sufficient
§1091.18 Mats May Be Required in Other Areas of Store
§1091.19 Safety Mats Do Not Necessarily Create Additional Hazards
§1092 Stairway Accidents
§1092.1 Measurement of Tread Depth and Riser Height
§1092.2 Variation Can Create Slipping Hazard
§1092.3 Variations Due to Defect in Design or Construction
§1092.4 Stairway In Violation Even Though Plans Approved
§1092.5 Handrails Are Important Stairway Safety Feature
§1092.6 Handrails Required on Each Side of Stairway
§1092.6.1 Intermediate Handrails May Be Required on Wide Stairways
§1092.7 Light Concrete Is Common Construction Material for Stairways
§1092.8 Treatment of Magnesite Differs Between Indoor and Outdoor Use
§1092.9 Coefficient of Friction of Wet Stairway Similar to Wet Waxed
Floor
§1092.10 Abrasive Strips May Be Used in Place of Sand Mixture
§1092.11 Nonslip Surface and Adequate Handrails May Offset Hazard
§1092.12 Carpeting Stairway May Increase Traction
§1092.13 Some Carpet May Cause Tripping Hazards
§1093 Ramp Accidents
§1093.1 Ramp Construction Regulated by Building Code
§1093.2 Steep Ramps Can Create Balance Problems
§1093.3 Handrails Required as Necessary Safety Device
§1093.4 Falls on Ramps Usually Feet First
§1093.5 Debris and Foreign Materials Increase Hazard Associated With
Ramps
§1093.6 Ramps May Be Required for Safety Reasons
§1093.7 Handicapped Ramps May Have Stricter Requirements
§1093.8 State and Local Codes May Differ
§1093.9 National Requirements
§1094 Accidents on Public Sidewalks
§1094.1 Three-Quarter Inch Elevation Change Creates Substantial Hazard
§1094.2 Trivial Defect Defined
§1095 Accidents on Single Risers or Steps
§1095.1 Single Riser May Present Substantial Hazard to Pedestrians
§1095.2 Building Designers Avoid Single Risers Whenever Possible
§1095.3 Safety Precautions Can Reduce Risk of Injury
§1095.4 Handrails Not Required on Single Riser Steps
§1095.5 Series of Single Risers Is Not Necessarily Stairway
§1096 Doorway Threshold Tripping Hazards
§1096.1 Threshold Does Not Comply With Code
§1096.2 Private Residences or Individual Dwelling Units Exempt
Chapter 11. Determining Damages
§1100 Damage Types
§1101 Special Damages
§1102 General Damages
§1110 Hard and Soft Injuries
§1111 Hard Injuries
§1111.1 Severity
§1111.2 Residual Injuries
§1111.3 Prosthesis
§1112 Soft Tissue Injuries
§1112.1 Treatment
§1112.2 Difficulty of Proof
§1120 Proof of Damages
§1121 Medical Evaluation
§1121.1 Treating Physician’s General Report
§1121.2 Specialist’s Report
§1121.3 Psychological Reports
§1122 Economic Loss
§1122.1 Documenting Wage and Income Loss
§1122.1.1 Income Tax and Payroll Records
§1122.1.2 Real vs. Taxable Income
§1122.1.3 Other Income Sources
§1122.2 Using Economist Experts
§1122.2.1 Determining Economist’s Qualifications
§1122.2.2 Economist’s Evaluation
§1122.2.3 Present and Future Damages
§1122.2.4 Economist’s Report
§1123 Proving Pain and Suffering
§1123.1 Daily Diary
§1123.2 Preaccident History
§1123.2.1 Using Photographs
§1123.2.2 Documenting Activities and Relationships
§1130 Discovery Organization and Preparation
§1131 Discovery Disclosure
§1132 Organizing Documents
§1133 Preparing for Plaintiff’s Deposition
§1140 Court Presentation
§1141 Photographs and Videotapes
§1142 Physical Evidence
§1143 Lay Witness Testimony
§1144 Settlement and Trial Briefs
§1145 Opening Statement and Final Argument
§1150 Damage Evaluation Form
Chapter 12. Defending a Slip and
Fall Case
§1200 Introduction
§1210 Evaluate Defense Case
§1211 Determine Accident Facts
§1211.1 Location
§1211.2 Defendant’s Control of Premises
§1211.3 Severity of Injuries
§1211.4 Notice
§1211.5 Defendant’s Act or Failure to Act
§1211.6 Well-Documented Hazard
§1211.7 Incident Reports
§1220 Analyze Plaintiff
§1220.1 Plaintiff’s Class
§1220.2 Plaintiff’s Credibility
§1220.3 Foreseeability of Use
§1230 Evaluate Prior Accidents
§1230.1 Notice Elements
§1230.2 Severity of Hazard
§1230.3 Unique Properties
§1240 Review Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
§1241 Determine Frequency of Inspection
§1242 Determine Frequency of Maintenance
§1243 Determine Adequacy of Maintenance and Cleaning
§1244 Proof of Maintenance Procedures
§1250 Assemble Facts
§1251 Evaluate Complaint
§1251.1 Hazard
§1251.2 Notice
§1251.3 Causation
§1251.4 Duty to Maintain Premises
§1251.5 Demurrer
§1251.6 Affirmative Defenses
§1252 Early Discovery
§1252.1 Plaintiff’s Deposition
§1252.2 Witness Depositions
§1252.3 Interrogatories
§1260 Evaluate Physical Evidence
§1261 Photographs
§1262 Plans and Specifications
§1263 Maintenance and Employee Training Manuals
§1263.1 Training Programs
§1264 Site Inspection
§1264.1 Adequacy of Housekeeping
§1264.2 Physical Condition
§1264.3 Interview Witnesses
§1270 Defense Expert
§1271 Document Premises’ Condition
§1272 Review Discovery
§1273 Examine Shoes and Appliances
§1273.1 Test and Evaluate Shoes
§1273.2 Inspect Appliances and Walking Aids
§1274 Examine Accident Site
§1274.1 Identify and Document Hazard
§1274.2 Perform Tests and Measurements
§1274.3 Take Photographs and Create Drawings
§1274.4 Seek Alternate Accident Causes
§1274.5 Check Code Compliance
§1274.6 Determine Industry Custom and Practice
§1275 Review Plaintiff’s Case
§1275.1 Evaluate Expert’s Opinion
§1275.2 Evaluate Consistency of Accident Description
§1276 Testify at Trial
§1280 Affirmative Defenses
§1280.1 Lack of Hazard or Dangerous Condition
§1281 Outside Intervening Factors
§1281.1 Shoes and Clothing
§1281.2 Other Parties
§1281.3 Defective Products
§1282 Comparative Fault
§1282.1 Plaintiff’s Activity
§1282.2 Open and Obvious Conditions
§1282.3 Physical Impairments
§1283 Assumption of Risk
§1283.1 Identification of Hazard
§1283.2 Appreciation of Hazard
§1283.3 Severity of Injury
§1284 Trivial Defect Rule
§1290 Motion for Summary Judgment
Case 1: Absence of Viable Hazard
Case 2: Trivial Defect Rule May Apply to Private Property
§1290.1 Notice of Motion
§1290.2 Separate Statement of Undisputed Facts
§1290.2.1 Example
§1290.3 Points and Authorities in Support of Motion
§1290.4 Declarations and Other Documentary Evidence
§1290.4.1 Deposition Excerpts
§1290.4.2 Written Discovery and Other Documents
§1290.4.3 Expert Declarations
§1290.5 Separate Statement in Opposition
§1290.6 Documents Opposing Motion
§1290.7 Orders
§1290.8 Risks and Benefits
Chapter 13. Settlement and
Arbitration
§1300 Introduction
§1310 Negotiation Timing
§1311 Prior to Filing
§1311.1 Initiating Claim
§1311.2 Demand Letter
Sample: Settlement Demand Letter
§1312 After Initial Discovery
§1313 After Expert’s Deposition
§1314 Settlement Conferences
§1314.1 Settlement Brief
§1315 After Trial Commencement
§1320 Expert’s Role in Negotiations
§1330 Settlement Package Checklist
§1340 Arbitration
§1341 Advantages and Disadvantages
§1342 Arbitration Preparation
§1342.1 Discovery
§1342.1.1 Depositions
§1342.1.2 Interrogatories and Requests for Admission
§1342.2 Documentary Evidence
§1342.2.1 Medical Records
§1342.2.2 Employment Records
§1342.2.3 Reports
Sample: Expert Witness Declaration
§1343 Arbitration Brief
Sample: Arbitration Brief
§1344 Arbitration Hearing
§1345 Trial de Novo
§1350 Mediation
§1351 Facilitative Mediation
§1352 Evaluative Mediation
§1353 Selecting the Mediator
§1354 The Process
§1354.1 Participants
§1354.2 Opening Statements
§1354.3 Preparation
§1354.4 In Caucus
§1354.5 Bargaining
§1355 Mediation vs. Arbitration
Chapter 14. Preparing Documents and
Evidence for Trial
§1400 Prepare for Trial
§1410 Review Discovery Documents
§1411 Requests for Admission
§1412 Interrogatories
§1412.1 Using Interrogatories at Trial
§1413 Depositions
§1414 Documents
§1420 Summarize Witness Testimony
§1430 Prepare Pretrial Motions
§1440 Submit Jury Instructions
§1441 Standard Instructions
§1442 Special Instructions
Sample: Special Instructions, Slip and Fall Cases
§1450 Review Physical Evidence
§1451 Preparing Evidence
§1460 Organize Demonstrative Evidence
§1461 Presenting Evidence Effectively
§1461.1 Charts and Diagrams
§1461.2 Photographs
§1461.3 Videotape
§1461.4 Computer Simulation
§1470 Subpena Witnesses
§1480 Organize Trial Notebook
Chapter 15. The Trial
§1500 Introduction
§1501 Opening Statement
§1502 Keeping Momentum Up
§1510 Efficient Use of Expert Witnesses
§1511 Expert Outline
§1512 Narrowing Issues
§1513 Handling Opinion Testimony
§1520 Optimize Expert Testimony
§1521 Minimize Distractions
§1522 Maintain Eye Contact
§1523 Avoid Impromptu Hypotheticals
§1524 Understand Terminology
§1525 Speak Clearly
§1526 Be Familiar With Evidence
§1527 Effective Timing
§1530 Maximize Courtroom Credibility
§1531 Defending Management, Personnel or Landowners
§1540 Effective Cross-Examination
§1550 Final Argument Strategies
§1551 Using Jury Instructions
§1552 Using Facts
Sample: Final Argument
§1560 Trial Checklist: Liability and Damages
§1570 30-Day Trial Preparation Checklist
Tables of Authorities
Cases
Statutes, Rules and Instructions
Building Codes
Other Authorities
Index |
