A Palm Beach County resident has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence after suffering injuries from a slip and fall incident at a well-known retail location. Joy Kirhatzi, the plaintiff, submitted her complaint on January 8, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida. The defendants named in the case are Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., and Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating, LLC.
The lawsuit arises from an incident that occurred on August 26, 2022, when Kirhatzi visited a Home Depot store located at 220 S State Rd 7 in West Palm Beach. According to the complaint, Kirhatzi slipped and fell due to an excessively slippery surface in the front outdoor area of the premises. The plaintiff claims that this hazardous condition was caused by improper paint or an accumulation of grease and other foreign substances. The lawsuit accuses Home Depot of several negligent acts including failing to maintain safe conditions on their property, not keeping the area free from slipping hazards, using inadequate materials for construction that did not meet safety standards, and neglecting to warn patrons about potential dangers.
In addition to Home Depot's alleged negligence, Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating is also implicated for its role in constructing or maintaining the hazardous area. The complaint states that Atlantic Southern was contracted by Home Depot to work on the outdoor area where Kirhatzi fell. Similar accusations are leveled against Atlantic Southern for failing to ensure safe conditions through proper construction practices and maintenance.
Kirhatzi asserts that both defendants' negligence directly resulted in her sustaining bodily injuries leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings, and diminished earning capacity. She contends these damages are either permanent or ongoing.
The plaintiff seeks judgment for damages exceeding $50,000 but remains uncertain if it surpasses $75,000. In addition to financial compensation for her injuries and associated losses, Kirhatzi requests coverage for legal costs incurred during this action. Furthermore, she demands a jury trial for all issues eligible for such proceedings under law.
Representing Joy Kirhatzi is attorney Caroline Soret from Wolfson & Leon law firm based in Miami. The case has been filed under Case Number: 502025CA000165XXXAMB.