A woman has filed a lawsuit against a popular restaurant chain after suffering severe injuries from slipping on a foreign substance inside one of its locations. Dawn Annette Puccio lodged the complaint against International House of Pancakes, LLC (IHOP) in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on September 5, 2024.
According to the complaint, Puccio was an invitee at the IHOP restaurant located at 4745 W. Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Florida, on March 1, 2024. While walking near the counter adjacent to the kitchen area, she slipped on a foreign substance and sustained severe injuries. The lawsuit alleges that IHOP had exclusive control over the premises and was responsible for maintaining it in a safe condition.
Puccio's legal team argues that IHOP failed to uphold its duty of care by not properly maintaining common areas and ensuring they were free from hazards. The complaint details several specific breaches of duty by IHOP: failing to maintain common areas properly, allowing grease to remain on the floor creating hazardous conditions, failing to warn invitees of known or hidden dangers, and not keeping the premises adequately illuminated.
The plaintiff contends that these negligent actions directly resulted in her injuries. As stated in the filing, "As a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the Defendant, IHOP, Plaintiff DAWN ANNETTE PUCCIO was injured in and about her body and extremities and/or suffered an exacerbation of a pre-existing injury or physical condition." She further claims to have endured pain, physical handicap, mental anguish, and an inability to lead a normal life—all described as permanent and continuing conditions.
In addition to seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her injuries and associated medical expenses—which she anticipates will continue—Puccio is also requesting compensation for court costs. Her legal team has demanded a jury trial for all triable issues related to this case.
Representing Puccio are attorneys Robert H. Stein (Florida Bar No.: 122564), Jeffrey M. Braxton (Florida Bar No.: 151963), and Craig A. Posner (Florida Bar No.: 188860) from The South Florida Injury Law Firm based in Coral Springs. The Case Number is: 502024CA008450XXXAMB Div: AF.