Vauda Phelix Pickett Jr. has filed a lawsuit against a major retail corporation, alleging negligence that led to significant personal injury. The complaint was lodged in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on October 18, 2024, naming Sam's East, Inc., doing business as Sam's Club #4861, and an unknown store manager as defendants.
The case stems from an incident on November 6, 2023, when Pickett visited the Sam's Club located at 1725 34th Street N., St. Petersburg, Florida. According to the complaint, while using the men's restroom at the store, Pickett slipped and fell due to water near a urinal. This fall allegedly resulted in permanent injuries for which he holds the store and its management accountable. The plaintiff argues that Sam's Club had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition but failed to address it adequately or warn customers about it.
Pickett’s legal representation contends that Sam's Club breached its duty of care by not maintaining safe premises for its patrons. The complaint lists several alleged failures by Sam's Club: neglecting to maintain floors safely, failing to warn about potential dangers despite being aware of them, inadequate inspection practices to identify hazards like foreign substances on floors, and not correcting known dangerous conditions promptly. Furthermore, it accuses Sam’s Club of not adhering to its corporate policies regarding safety measures.
The plaintiff also targets John Doe, an unnamed store manager at the time of the incident. The lawsuit claims this individual failed in their responsibilities by not ensuring a safe environment for customers through proper maintenance and warning systems. Specific allegations include insufficient training for employees regarding hazard management and failure to communicate known risks effectively within the organization.
As a result of these alleged negligent actions by both defendants—Sam’s East Inc., operating as Sam’s Club #4861—and John Doe—the unknown store manager—Pickett claims extensive damages. These include physical injuries leading to pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and earning capacity due to disability or impairment caused by the fall.
Pickett seeks compensation exceeding $50,000 from each defendant for his injuries and associated losses. He requests a jury trial to determine fair compensation based on evidence presented during proceedings.
Representing Vauda Phelix Pickett Jr., attorney Rick Terrana from Morgan & Morgan P.A., has taken up this case under Case Number: 24-004557-CI before Judge Ken Burke at Pinellas County Circuit Court.