Gail Turner has taken legal action against a prominent grocery chain and its affiliates, following a severe injury she sustained while shopping. On May 6, 2025, Turner filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, accusing Winn-Dixie Stores, LLC; Southeastern Grocers; and William Mickle Jr. of negligence leading to her injuries.
The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, when Turner was using an electric shopping cart at a Winn-Dixie store located at 2460 East Bay Dr., Largo, FL. According to the complaint filed by Turner's attorney Andrew J. Plagge from Pearlman Trial Group, the cart abruptly stopped as she was changing aisles. This sudden halt caused the cart to bend and its basket pierced through her shin, resulting in significant injuries. The plaintiff asserts that both Winn-Dixie Stores and Southeastern Grocers failed in their duty to maintain a safe environment for customers by not inspecting or warning about potential hazards with their equipment.
Turner claims that the defendants were aware or should have been aware of the dangerous condition of the electric shopping cart due to its prolonged existence. She accuses them of negligence for not taking appropriate measures to rectify this hazard or inform customers about it. As a result of this oversight, Turner alleges she suffered bodily harm and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.
In addition to seeking damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs from each defendant for her injuries and losses incurred both presently and anticipated in the future, Turner demands a jury trial. The lawsuit outlines three counts: one against each defendant - Winn-Dixie Stores LLC; Southeastern Grocers; and property owner William Mickle Jr., who is accused separately for his failure as a property owner responsible for ensuring safety on his premises.
The case Number is: 25-002382-CI. Turner's legal representation is led by Andrew J Plagge from Pearlman Trial Group based in Clearwater.