A Palm Beach County resident has filed a lawsuit against a major convenience store chain, alleging negligence that led to personal injury. Stephen Ondus lodged the complaint against 7-Eleven, Inc. in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida on October 14, 2024. The lawsuit accuses 7-Eleven of failing to maintain a safe environment at one of its locations, resulting in Ondus sustaining bodily injuries.
The incident occurred on January 25, 2024, when Ondus visited the 7-Eleven store located at 10651 Southern Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. As a business invitee on the premises, Ondus claims he slipped and fell on spilled diesel fuel while exiting his vehicle. The complaint asserts that 7-Eleven had a duty to ensure its property was safe for customers but failed to do so. According to the filing, "Defendant owed a duty to Plaintiff and held out to the Plaintiff that its facility was a Safe and hazard-free environment for its invited guests."
Ondus's legal team argues that 7-Eleven breached this duty by not ensuring their property was free from hazards like spilled fuel. Specific allegations include failing to keep the property dry and free from substances that could cause slips and falls, inadequate employee training for cleaning and inspecting the premises regularly, and neglecting to warn customers about existing hazards. As stated in the complaint, "The Defendant... breached its duty... as ordinarily prudent persons would under similar circumstances."
As a result of this alleged negligence, Ondus claims he suffered significant injuries leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. These damages are described as either permanent or continuing in nature.
Ondus is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 from 7-Eleven for these losses. Additionally, he demands coverage for legal costs associated with pursuing this action and requests a trial by jury.
Representing Stephen Ondus is Richard D. Schuler from Schuler Weisser Zoeller Overbeck & Baxter P.A., based in West Palm Beach. The case is being handled under Case Number: 502024CA009830XXXAMB