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Washington DOC Pays $4,000 in Parking Lot Slip and Fall

In 1994 Robert A. Hamack tripped fell in the parking lot of Washington State Reformatory in Monroe, Washington. Hamack and his wife were on their way to visit a prisoner when Hamack, after dropping his wife off at the front entrance, because it was dark and raining, tripped and fell in a darkened area. Hamack complained that the nearest lighting was "high above the steps of the main parking lot area about 75 to 100 yards away."

Hamack landed down on his left hand first (injuring his left pinky) then onto the left side of his chest/rib cage area. He suffered a compound dislocation as three bones stuck out. As Hamack bled, he pulled the bone or bones back into the socket area.

Hamack was later treated by a nurse from the prison hospital who only bound up his pinky finger and ring finger and advised him to go to a hospital. Hamack and his wife shortened their visit, arriving at Stevens Hospital Emergency Room where x-rays and proper treatment were given.

As a result of the injuries the State of Washington paid Hamack $4,000 to settle the tort claim. Hamack represented himself. See: Hamack v. the State of Washington, Claim No. 3109119.

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Related legal case

Hamack v. State of Washington