In a dramatic turn of events, a Florida resident has taken legal action against two companies following a slip-and-fall incident that allegedly resulted in serious injuries. Lisa LaPlaca filed the complaint on March 4, 2025, in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, Florida, targeting Beall’s Inc. and Rainier Woodlands Square Acquisition, LLC as defendants.
The lawsuit arises from an incident that occurred on October 12, 2023, when LaPlaca visited a Beall’s store located at 3140 Tampa Road in Oldsmar, Pinellas County. According to the complaint, as LaPlaca was leaving the store and walking towards her car, she stepped on a painted speed hump in the parking lot and slipped. The paint used on this speed hump is alleged to become dangerously slippery when wet—a condition not suitable for areas with pedestrian traffic. This dangerous condition was reportedly not obvious to customers but should have been known by Beall’s Inc., which owned and operated the store.
LaPlaca accuses Beall’s Inc. of negligence for failing to adequately warn her of the hazardous condition, failing to maintain and inspect the area properly, and using inappropriate paint products in pedestrian zones. She claims these failures directly led to her injuries which include harm to her head, neck, body, back, limbs, and an aggravation of pre-existing conditions. The plaintiff asserts that these injuries have caused significant mental and physical suffering and have impaired her ability to lead a normal life while also impacting her earning capacity.
In addition to Beall’s Inc., Rainier Woodlands Square Acquisition LLC is named as a defendant due to its responsibility for maintaining the exterior premises of the store under an agreement with Beall's Inc. Similar allegations are made against Rainier Woodlands regarding their failure to exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions outside the store.
Lisa LaPlaca seeks judgment against both defendants for damages exceeding $50,000 along with costs related to the action and prejudgment interest on liquidated damages. She demands a jury trial for all issues presented in this case.
Representing Lisa LaPlaca are attorneys Tony Griffith Esq., Ryan Bresler Esq., and Justin Peterson Esq., from Tanney, Griffith & Bresler P.A., based in Clearwater, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number: 25-001021-CI in front of Judge Ken Burke at Pinellas County Circuit Court.