A recent court filing reveals a dramatic slip-and-fall incident that has led to a lawsuit against a major grocery chain. On December 27, 2024, Sandra Faust filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Winn Dixie Stores, Inc., alleging negligence after she suffered significant injuries on their premises.
The complaint details that on May 5, 2024, Sandra Faust visited the Winn Dixie store located at 8740 Park Blvd., Largo, Florida. During her visit as a business invitee, Faust claims she slipped on water dripping from a bag of defrosted scallops being carried by an employee. This unfortunate event resulted in severe personal injuries for Faust. The plaintiff asserts that Winn Dixie had both actual and constructive knowledge of the slipping hazard prior to her fall. She argues that the hazard existed long enough for the store to have identified and rectified it through ordinary care.
Faust's legal team alleges multiple counts of negligence against Winn Dixie Stores, Inc., emphasizing their failure to maintain safe premises and adequately warn patrons of potential dangers. "Defendant breached these duties by negligently failing to maintain or adequately maintain the store flooring," states the complaint. It further accuses Winn Dixie of not following its own corporate policies regarding hazardous conditions and failing to train employees properly in safety protocols.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and interest. Faust is pursuing compensation for bodily injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of earnings capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. The complaint underscores that these losses are either permanent or ongoing.
Representing Sandra Faust is attorney Blake R. Carl from Morgan & Morgan P.A., based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The case is filed under Case Number: 24-005663-CI with Judge Ken Burke presiding over proceedings in Pinellas County Circuit Court.