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On Premises
Trial lawyers. Violent crime. Cracked foundations. Corporate greed. Toxic mold. Gas explosions. When someone is hurt or killed on a dangerous property there is often a disturbing yet fascinating backstory. And it's the civil trial lawyer's job to uncover it to seek justice. Don't just read about it in the news or the pleadings, join us, On Premises, as we speak to some of the nation's leading civil trial lawyers about their most exciting premises liability cases.
On Premises
Chris Crawford on a $4M Slip and Fall Verdict vs. Church's Chicken
On November 19, 2014, what began as an ordinary lunch break turned into a life-altering event for John Ratzlaff, a Santa Rosa County employee. After slipping on water from a cracked tile at a Church’s Chicken restaurant, Mr. Ratzlaff struck his head and sustained a traumatic brain injury. The fall led to years of debilitating symptoms — including migraines, cognitive deficits, and memory loss — ultimately ending his career and changing the course of his life.
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Crawford of Crawford Law to discuss how he, along with co-counsel Phil Hall, secured a $4 million jury verdict on behalf of Mr. Ratzlaff. The defendant, MSK Enterprises, admitted liability but disputed the extent of damages, arguing the case was worth no more than $250,000. The jury disagreed.
Chris shares his perspective on the challenges of trying a brain injury case, the importance of storytelling in the courtroom, and how he helped the jury see the human toll of a preventable fall.
We hope this episode honors the perseverance of Mr. Ratzlaff and sheds light on the lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries — both in and beyond the courtroom.
Chris Crawford Contact Information
Crawford Law
15 W La Rua St
Pensacola, FL 32501-3933
Office: 850-432-7726
Cell: 850-898-4904
Fax: 850-226-5725
Host Law Firm Website: https://www.beacon.legal/