How Construction Shortcuts Lead to a Traumatic Brain Injury
The stairway looked ordinary. But a closer examination revealed a series of construction failures that turned a routine descent into a life-altering fall.
In a warehouse injury case, Focus Graphics produced several visuals, including brain injury summaries, a pre and post-incident symptoms chart, and an animation that reconstructed the incident in detail. The animation showed that the stairs did not comply with the International Building Code because the heights and depths of the individual treads were inconsistent. To the untrained eye, those differences may have appeared minor. But on a staircase, even small variations can disrupt a person’s stride, balance, and ability to recover.
The animation also highlighted another critical issue: the handrail was not properly attached to the wall. According to the case analysis, that condition violated the International Building Code and Property Maintenance Code. When the plaintiff lost his footing, the handrail was not secure enough to provide meaningful protection.
The fall was violent. The plaintiff tumbled down the stairs, struck the drywall at the bottom, and broke through it, driving his head into a wooden stud. The impact resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
What made the animation especially compelling was its precision. Focus Graphics did not simply show a generic staircase or a simplified fall. The team worked with attorney Jordan Schnitzer’s expert to show the inconsistent stair dimensions, the defective handrail, and even the actual type of shoes the plaintiff was wearing. Those details helped connect the code violations to the mechanics of the injury. For attorneys investigating premises liability cases, visual evidence can reveal what written reports often fail to make clear. A confidential settlement proved that the defense wasn’t willing to let a jury see these demonstratives.
“I have used Focus Graphics on several cases, and their work has helped bring complicated liability issues to life. Their animations are detailed, accurate, and persuasive. I plan to continue using Focus Graphics in future cases where visual storytelling can help explain the truth and bring justice to my clients.”
Jordan Schnitzer, Esq.
Las Vegas, NV
The Schnitzer Law Firm
READY TO FIND OUT MORE?
Our team of animators, illustrators and medical professionals are ready to make your demonstratives ready for your next mediation or litigation. Request a Quote or give us a call at (702) 849-0090.
