A slip-and-fall incident at a grocery store has led to a lawsuit seeking damages exceeding $50,000. On June 3, 2024, Cory Douglas filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Publix Super Markets, Inc.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on September 26, 2022. Cory Douglas visited a Publix store located at 525 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL as a business invitee and slipped on a puddle of liquid substance left on the floor. According to the complaint, Publix failed to maintain its premises in a reasonably safe condition and did not warn Douglas of the dangerous condition. The plaintiff alleges that this negligence resulted in significant injuries.
Douglas claims that Publix breached its duty by failing to maintain or adequately inspect the flooring, thereby creating hazardous conditions for patrons. The complaint lists several specific failures: inadequate maintenance of the floor, lack of proper inspection protocols, insufficient staff assigned to monitor and clean up spills, and failure to train employees adequately. Furthermore, it accuses Publix of not following its own policies regarding floor safety and using flooring materials that did not provide adequate traction or properly disperse liquids.
As a result of these alleged oversights and omissions by Publix, Douglas suffered severe injuries including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of earnings and earning capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. These losses are described as either permanent or continuing.
Douglas is seeking judgment for damages exceeding $50,000 plus interest and costs. Additionally, she demands a trial by jury for all triable issues.
The case is being handled by Joseph A. Kopacz from Morgan & Morgan Palm Harbor P.A., while Ken Burke serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Pinellas County under Case Number: 24-002452-ClI.