A recent court filing has brought to light a dramatic incident involving a customer at a retail store, which could have significant legal implications. On December 11, 2024, Kathy Santos filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Sunshine Thrift Stores of St. Pete, Inc., alleging negligence after an unfortunate accident left her injured.

According to the complaint, Kathy Santos was visiting the Sunshine Thrift Store located at 2808 34th Street North in St. Petersburg on June 11, 2023. During her visit as a business invitee—a term that denotes someone who is lawfully on the premises for business purposes—Santos was struck on the head by a sign that unexpectedly fell from a store shelf. The incident allegedly resulted in various injuries to Santos, including bodily harm and mental anguish. She claims that these injuries have led to ongoing pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.

The lawsuit accuses Sunshine Thrift Stores of failing to maintain safe premises for its customers. It alleges multiple acts of negligence on part of the defendant: failing to adequately maintain or inspect the premises for hazards like falling signs; not warning Santos about potential dangers; neglecting to correct or repair dangerous conditions; insufficient staffing for maintaining safety; and failing to render aid post-incident. “Defendant knew or should have known that said mode of operations would result in dangerous conditions,” states one part of the complaint.

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