A Florida resident has taken legal action against a major retail corporation, claiming negligence led to severe personal injuries. On March 6, 2025, Lloyd Abentroth filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Wal-Mart Stores East, LP. The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to maintain safe conditions at its Clearwater location.
According to the complaint, on March 22, 2023, Lloyd Abentroth visited a Wal-Mart store located at 23106 US Hwy 19 N as a business invitee. During his visit, he attempted to use an accessible restroom stall and was injured due to a loose toilet seat. Abentroth contends that Wal-Mart had a nondelegable duty to ensure his safety while on their premises but breached this duty through several acts of negligence. These include failing to maintain or inspect the toilet seat properly and not warning patrons about the potential hazard. "Defendant owed Plaintiff duties to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition," states the complaint.
The plaintiff accuses Wal-Mart of multiple specific negligent actions: failing to adequately maintain and inspect the restroom facilities, not providing adequate warnings about existing dangers, and insufficiently training staff responsible for maintaining these areas. As a result of these alleged oversights, Abentroth suffered significant injuries while attempting to transfer from his wheelchair to the toilet. The complaint details extensive consequences from this incident: bodily injury leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
Abentroth seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for his injuries and associated losses. He requests that these damages be determined by a jury trial as per Article 1, Section 21 of the Florida Constitution. Additionally, he demands interest and costs related to the case.
Representing Lloyd Abentroth is attorney Michael C. Bird from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., based in Tampa, Florida. The case is identified under Case Number: 25-001092-CI.