Barrington Sisters Die in Tragic Slip & Fall Accident

What started out as a routine weekly dinner among three sisters sadly turned deadly this past Friday in Barrington, Rhode Island. Elderly sisters, 97-year-old twins Jean Haley and Martha Williams, and younger sister 89-year-old Mary Jacobs returned from dinner to Haley’s RI home ar

ound 8:30pm amidst chilling windy conditions. It appears that both twins, in separate incidents, slipped and fell, and were unable to get up and call for help. Slip and fall accidents can be extremely hazardous, if not deadly, especially for the elderly. Tapalian Law is well versed in the tragedy that can become of slip and falls, whether it be serious personal injury from broken bones or head injuries, or a slip and fall that can have deadly results.

Barrington Police Piece Together Details

The extent of the two sister’s injuries due to their falls is not yet detailed, and because neither could get up and call for assistance after the fall, both lay outside overnight in freezing temperatures causing them to both die of hypothermia. According to Barrington Police Chief John LaCross, the RI sisters returned home from dinner dropping off younger sister Mary Jacobs at her vehicle, which was parked in Haley’s driveway. Jacobs then drove off. Haley allegedly then dropped off Williams at her vehicle before pulling into her garage. It is unclear exactly what happened next but Barrington Police surmise that Williams fell while attempting to get into her car. They believe that Haley saw this fall occur and proceeded to exit her vehicle to help her sister. At this point, Haley also fell. The injuries from the falls, or perhaps the pain and shock of the falls, left both sisters unable to get up and get help. Sadly, they both lay on the ground overnight eventually succumbing to hypothermia.

Sisters Not Found Until Morning

It was not until about 8:10am the next morning, Saturday, that a neighbor across the street who was familiar with the sister’s outings and parking arrangements in Haley’s driveway, saw Williams car still in the driveway. When the neighbor went outside, he found Williams on the ground next to her car and called 911. When he walked further towards the garage he then saw Haley on the ground and again called 911. Investigators believe that Haley may have tripped on a rug while trying to rush for help for her sister. Both Haley and Williams are known to use a cane or walker, it is unknown if they were using them at the time of the falls. Both sisters were later pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

Contact a Rhode Island Accident Lawyer After a Fall

Personal injury attorney David Tapalian fully knows the impact a slip and fall can have not only on the victim, but also on the victim’s family. If a loved one died, certain family members may have rights to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you or a loved one have been injured in a fall or car accident, this can result in exorbitant hospital bills, medical bills, and out of pocket expenses. While tending to your injuries, you and your family must still be able to pay your normal monthly expenses. If you are hurt and unable to work, this can prove to be quite difficult. It is important you consult an experienced Rhode Island accident attorney to help you sort through the complexities of your fall or car accident. Attorney David Tapalian will work with the insurance companies in your slip and fall or car accident to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled for doctor’s bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Do not delay. There is a three (3) year statute of limitations following an accident. Do not wait to contact RI accident lawyer David Tapalian for a free consultation regarding your RI accident case. Contact Tapalian Law at 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form.