In 2015, Massachusetts-native Bernard Barlow sued a Key West restaurant and resort with the help of Stuart Grossman, leading personal injury and medical malpractice lawyer, for lack of proper signage warning of the areas dangerous waters. In June 2017, he was awarded $10.75 million for his injuries.
Barlow was vacationing in Key West when he dove off a pier into shallow waters at the Sunset Tiki Bar and Grille. He had been diving earlier in the day and, since he was a tourist and unfamiliar with the territory, failed to notice the tide had lowered in his last dive. As a result, Barlow had a direct impact on his head and neck, leaving him permanently paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a ventilator.
“Florida’s waters are indeed dangerous, especially for those who are not native to the state. Proper signage to warn guests of the water were not present, nor were there any barriers or appropriate guardrails to prevent Tiki Bar patrons and/or hotel guests from diving off the deck into the shallow water,” says Grossman.
“Due to his injuries, Mr. Barlow is now paralyzed from the neck down, with little chance of recovering any movement or feeling in his limbs. We are happy with the outcome of the settlement and hope Mr. Barlow gets all the care and attention he deserves after this horrible incident.”
Read more about the case resolution at the Florida Keys News / Miami Herald online news article. In addition, Stuart was featured in the Key West Citizen and the Daily Business Review (please note, there is a paywall for this piece).
