Neil v. Byrum

Harwell, Justice:

In this slip and fall case, the appellant contends that the trial judge erred in not granting her motion for a directed verdict. We agree and reverse.

Appellant agreed to let her niece and nephew have a surprise party for their father at her house. Respondent, one of the guests at the party, fell from the top of the back steps. The brick steps are approximately three and a half feet high and do not have a barrier or railing on either side. Because there is no landing at the top of the steps, it is impossible to stand on the top step and open the back door. Rather than stepping…