Woman Wins $11.4 Million in Target Trip and Fall Case
When running errands, you do not usually think about getting injured in an accident, but sometimes it happens. A trip and fall may not seem very serious to some people, but people often get seriously injured. Broken bones are common.
A woman who tripped and fell in a Target parking lot in Florida was recently awarded millions of dollars in compensation for the fractures and other injuries she suffered. The woman was awarded nearly $11.4 million in damages after a jury sided with her in a lawsuit against the retail chain following a serious injury in one of its parking lots.
The verdict was reached on October 17 by an Orange County jury. The woman filed the lawsuit after suffering severe leg injuries in December 2019 at the store’s Winter Garden Village location on Daniels Road. The incident occurred just before Christmas, when she was walking across the busy parking lot while carrying her young daughter.
Court documents revealed that the woman was attempting to navigate puddles and heavy traffic when she stepped near a landscaping island where the pavement dropped off sharply at the curb. She claimed the area’s design violated multiple building and safety codes. As she stepped down, she reportedly lost her balance, twisted her left ankle, and fell. Despite trying to keep her daughter from hitting the ground, she suffered multiple fractures in her right leg, including the tibia, fibula, and lateral malleolus. These injuries required extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Her attorneys argued that the company failed to maintain a safe parking lot and neglected to warn customers about the uneven drop-off. The defense contended that the area was clearly visible and that she should have exercised greater caution. After deliberation, the jury found the retailer 90% responsible for the accident and awarded the plaintiff $11.39 million in damages.
Before the trial, the woman reportedly turned down a $250,000 settlement offer, opting instead to take the case before a jury. The decision proved significant, as the award reflected not only her medical expenses and lost wages but also the long-term physical and emotional toll of her injuries.
The verdict came as Target faces broader corporate challenges. Days later, the company announced plans to cut 1,800 corporate jobs as part of a restructuring effort aimed at reversing years of stagnant sales. About 1,000 employees are expected to receive layoff notices, while 800 unfilled positions will be eliminated.
Target’s leadership has also seen major changes. The retailer, which operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide, has been struggling with declining profits and stiff competition from rivals such as Walmart, Amazon, and Costco.
While the company weighs a possible appeal of the jury’s decision, the case underscores the legal and financial risks large retailers face when customer safety lapses lead to serious injuries.
Contact Us Today
Businesses are often focused on making money, but customer safety needs to be a priority as well. Otherwise, companies may be forced to pay big bucks for injuries.
A Bradenton premises liability lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can assist you if you have been injured on someone else’s property. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (941) 281-2019.
Source:
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