A jury in Florida has awarded $1,930,704.34 to a woman who was injured after slipping and falling on water on a floor in a grocery store.
Facts and Allegations
Stephanie Jenkins alleged that she slipped and fell on water on the floor near a bin full of ice and beer close to the main counter of USA Grocers on Roberts Avenue in Tallahassee.
Ms. Jenkins sued the owner, Siraji Inc., contending that Siraji was liable for the dangerous condition that had caused her fall.
Ms. Jenkins' counsel argued that Siraji had notice of the dangerous condition yet failed to implement proper precautions. Her counsel specifically claimed that the store owners should have placed a mat near the bin to soak up any water.
The defense maintained that the presence of water was an open and obvious condition, and that Ms. Jenkins should have seen and avoided the spill.
Result
The jury determined that Siraji was 100 percent liable for Ms. Jenkins' fall and awarded her $1,930,704.34.
The case is Jenkins v. Siraji Inc., No. 37 2017 CA 002309 (Florida Cir. Ct. Leon Co. July 11, 2019). Attorneys involved include: Brian K. McClain; Morgan & Morgan, P.A.; for Stephanie Jenkins; Craig Richards; Morgan & Morgan, P.A.; for Stephanie Jenkins; James G. Biggart II; Morgan & Morgan, P.A.; for Stephanie Jenkins; Paul Buschmann; Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Fort Lauderdale, FL for Siraji Inc.
Insurance Coverage Law Center Comment
This report is based on information that was provided by Ms. Jenkins' counsel. Defense counsel did not respond to the reporter's phone calls.
See the full detailed report from our ALM partner, VerdictSearch.com.
Steven A. Meyerowitz
Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].