Eric Johnson, a resident of Palm Beach County, Florida, has filed a lawsuit against Publix Super Markets, Inc., claiming that the grocery chain's negligence led to his severe illness. The complaint was filed on October 22, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County.
According to the lawsuit, Eric Johnson visited a Publix store located at 13860 Jog Road, West Delray Beach, Florida, on February 26, 2024. During his visit, he purchased fig bars and chicken fingers from the store's deli section. After consuming these items later that day, Johnson became violently ill with symptoms including severe stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. He subsequently sought medical assistance for his condition.
Johnson alleges that Publix was negligent in its food handling practices. The complaint states that the fig bars he purchased were past their expiration date of April 26, 2023. Furthermore, it is claimed that the chicken fingers were not properly cooked or stored according to health and safety standards. Johnson argues that Publix should have been aware of these issues and failed to take appropriate action to prevent harm to consumers.
The lawsuit accuses Publix of strict liability and negligence. It asserts that Publix breached its duty of care by failing to maintain proper food storage protocols and by allowing expired or contaminated products to be sold. Johnson claims that Publix employees did not follow proper procedures for food handling and preparation. As a result of these alleged failures, Johnson contends that he suffered bodily injury and incurred expenses related to hospitalization and medical treatment.
In seeking justice from the court, Eric Johnson is demanding compensatory damages exceeding $50,000.01 plus costs associated with the legal proceedings. He has also requested a jury trial for all issues triable as a right by jury.
The case is being handled by attorneys Christopher J. Steinhaus and Lance C. Rudzinski from RTRLAW based in Orlando, Florida. The case number is 502024CA010113XXXAMB Div: Al.