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PREMISES LIABILITY

ORANGE CIRCUIT COURT

A jury awarded $517,128 to a woman who slipped and fell at a Trader Joe's store in Orlando. The award was reduced to $438,559 to reflect a 15 percent comparative negligence finding.

Antonia Cruz argued the store failed to properly maintain the mats and surrounding area in the store's vestibule on a rainy day, resulting in water transferring to her shoes and allegedly causing her to fall. She also argued employees failed to warn customers of the hazard. She said she suffered a knee fracture and cervical disc herniation in the fall.

Trader Joe's contended warning cones had been placed, it had no notice of any hazardous condition, and Cruz failed to exercise caution. Her injuries were also disputed.

Case: Cruz v. Trader Joe's East

Case No.: 2018-CA-276-O

Plaintiffs attorney: Ryan C. Rodems, Morgan & Morgan, Orlando

Defense attorney: William G. Hyland, Vernis & Bowling of Central Florida, DeLand