A woman has filed a lawsuit against a major home improvement retailer, claiming negligence after suffering injuries from a fall at one of its stores. Stephany Barrett filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on December 11, 2024, against Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC and an unnamed store manager referred to as John Doe.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on May 13, 2023, when Barrett visited a Lowe's store located at 2365 25th Street N., St. Petersburg, Florida. As she entered the garden center area of the store to purchase items, she tripped over a strap or band used to secure pallets of merchandise. Barrett claims that Lowe’s had a non-delegable duty to maintain its premises in a reasonably safe condition and failed to do so by allowing loose straps or bands to remain unattended on the ground. This oversight allegedly created a hazardous environment for customers like her who were lawfully present in the area.
Barrett's complaint accuses Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC of several negligent acts including failing to maintain the floor space adequately, allowing straps or bands to become trip hazards, neglecting proper inspection procedures, failing to warn customers about potential dangers, and not correcting known dangerous conditions promptly. She asserts that these failures directly resulted in her sustaining physical injuries and incurring medical expenses. Furthermore, Barrett alleges that she suffered pain and suffering both physically and mentally and sustained permanent injuries affecting her ability to enjoy life fully.
In addition to Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC, Barrett also targets John Doe—the unidentified store manager—holding him accountable for not exercising reasonable care over the premises under his control. According to Barrett's claims under Florida Statute 768.0710 regarding business premises liability, John Doe was responsible for ensuring that employees were properly trained and supervised to prevent such incidents from occurring. The complaint suggests that inadequate training and supervision led to employees leaving dangerous conditions unaddressed.
Barrett is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from both defendants for their alleged negligence. She requests compensation for her medical expenses, loss of wages and earning capacity due to her injuries’ permanent nature or continuing impact on her life quality.
Representing Stephany Barrett is attorney Rick Terrana from Morgan & Morgan P.A., based in Tampa. The case is presided over by Judge Ken Burke with Case ID: 24-005409-CI.