A slip-and-fall incident at a grocery store has led to a legal battle in Palm Beach County, Florida. Henry Rouse filed a complaint against National Markets, LLC, doing business as Foodtown of West Palm Beach, on November 15, 2024. The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on May 5, 2024, when Henry Rouse visited the Foodtown store located at 5335 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach. As a business invitee, Rouse claims he slipped and fell due to a transitory substance on the floor of the aisle area within the store. The complaint accuses National Markets of negligence for failing to maintain safe premises and not addressing hazardous conditions that could endanger customers like Rouse.
According to the lawsuit, National Markets had a non-delegable duty to ensure their premises were safe for patrons. The complaint alleges multiple breaches of this duty by National Markets and its employees. These include failing to adequately maintain or inspect the flooring for hazards, not warning customers about potential dangers, and neglecting corporate policies meant to prevent such incidents. Additionally, it is claimed that inadequate staffing and training contributed to unsafe conditions.
Rouse's injuries from the fall are described as significant and include both physical and mental suffering. He is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for his injuries and associated losses such as medical expenses and loss of earnings. The lawsuit also requests post-judgment interest, costs, attorney’s fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Henry Rouse is Patrick Graves from Morgan & Morgan P.A., based in Miami. The case was filed under Case Number: 502024CA010917XXXAMB.