Navigation Publix Super Markets accused of Negligence after Slip-and-Fall Incident
A slip-and-fall incident at a grocery store has led to a lawsuit that could set a precedent for premises liability cases. On April 10, 2025, Edwina Duros filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Publix Super Markets, Inc., seeking damages exceeding $50,000. The case highlights the responsibilities of businesses to maintain safe environments for their patrons and raises questions about negligence and vicarious liability.
The incident occurred on April 23, 2023, when Duros visited Publix Store No. 1708 located at 5050 Champion Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida. As a business invitee, she slipped and fell due to what she claims was the negligent maintenance of the premises by Publix. According to the complaint filed by her attorney Daniel W. Courtney, Duros alleges that Publix failed to uphold its duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment. “PUBLIX negligently allowed a dangerous and hazardous condition to exist,” reads the complaint, referring specifically to an unidentified liquid substance on the floor.
Duros’s legal action is based on two counts of negligence: failure to maintain and vicarious liability. In her first count, she accuses Publix of not only allowing the hazardous condition but also failing to warn customers or correct it in time. She argues that this oversight resulted in severe bodily injury leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings potential, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
