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 in November 2015.

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

The defense claimed warning cones had been placed, the store had no notice of any hazardous condition and Cruz failed to exercise caution. Cruz's injuries were also disputed.

The award was reduced to $438,559 to reflect a 15 percent comparative-negligence finding.

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