A shopping trip turned into a nightmare for one Palm Beach County resident, leading to a legal battle against a major wholesale supplier. On July 1, 2024, David Lockhart filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, against Restaurant Depot, LLC.
According to the complaint, Lockhart was shopping at Restaurant Depot's Riviera Beach location on June 9, 2022, when an employee negligently dropped a case of ribs on him. The incident allegedly resulted in severe injuries for Lockhart. The plaintiff asserts that Restaurant Depot had a duty to maintain their premises safely and to ensure that employees were adequately trained to handle heavy items. "Defendant knew or should have known that their premises would be walked upon by numerous invitees," the complaint states, emphasizing the responsibility of Restaurant Depot to secure their walkways and properly train their staff.
Lockhart claims that due to the negligence of Restaurant Depot and its employees, he suffered serious and permanent bodily injuries. The lawsuit details various damages including pain and suffering, mental anguish, past and future medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of future earning capacity, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. These injuries are described as either permanent or continuing in nature.
The plaintiff is seeking judgment against Restaurant Depot for damages exceeding the minimum jurisdictional limits of the court. This includes interest and costs associated with the action as well as any other relief deemed just and proper by the court. Additionally, Lockhart has demanded a trial by jury for all issues triable by right.
Representing David Lockhart is Francisco A. Albites from Parker Waichman LLP. The case number is: 502024CA006154XXXAMB Div: AG.