A recent court filing has brought to light a serious allegation against a major retail chain, claiming negligence that resulted in significant personal injury. On July 1, 2024, Josefina Castillo filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, against Walmart Stores East.
According to the complaint, Castillo was shopping at the Walmart Supercenter located at 8001 US Highway 19 N., Pinellas Park on April 24, 2023. During her visit, she slipped and fell due to a clear liquid on the store floor, which appeared to be water. The fall allegedly caused Castillo serious personal injuries. The plaintiff claims that Walmart and its store manager failed to maintain a safe environment for customers by not adequately inspecting or cleaning the premises.
The complaint states that Walmart had a duty to ensure their premises were safe for customers and to warn them of any potential hazards. "On said date and at said place," the document reads, "Defendant had a duty to warn persons such as the Plaintiff of a dangerous condition about which Defendant had, or should have had, knowledge greater than that of the Plaintiff." Castillo's lawsuit alleges multiple counts of negligence against both Walmart and its store manager. These include failing to maintain or adequately maintain the floors, failing to inspect or adequately inspect for hazards, failing to warn customers of dangers they knew or should have known about, and failing to correct dangerous conditions.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and interest. The complaint details various types of relief sought including compensation for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, medical expenses, loss of earnings capacity, and other related damages. Castillo asserts that these injuries are either permanent or continuing in nature.
Representing Josefina Castillo is Lauren Pcholinski from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A. The case has been assigned Case Number: 24-002924-ClI.