In a dramatic legal showdown, a Pinellas County resident has taken on a retail giant and its store manager, alleging negligence that led to severe personal injuries. Karen Jones filed a complaint against Wal-Mart Stores East, LP, and Jane Doe in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on October 31, 2025. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of failing to maintain safe premises at their St. Petersburg location.
According to the complaint, Karen Jones visited the Wal-Mart store located at 10237 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, on March 24, 2025. As an invitee on the premises, she was owed a duty of care by both Wal-Mart and its manager Jane Doe. However, Jones alleges that this duty was breached when she slipped on grapes that had accumulated on the floor due to negligent maintenance practices. “Defendant breached these duties to Plaintiff by negligently failing to maintain or adequately maintain the flooring,” states the complaint.
Jones claims that as a result of this negligence, she suffered extensive injuries including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and significant scarring. The complaint details how these injuries have led to mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life for Jones. Furthermore, it outlines her financial burdens due to medical expenses and loss of earnings.
The lawsuit includes two counts: premises liability against Wal-Mart Stores East and negligence against Jane Doe. For Wal-Mart’s part, Jones argues that they failed not only in maintaining safe conditions but also in warning her about potential hazards like slippery floors caused by spilled grapes. Similarly, Jane Doe is accused of failing to enforce safety protocols or properly train staff regarding hazard prevention.
Jones seeks damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant along with interest and costs associated with her case. She demands a jury trial for all issues triable by right before such a body.
Representing Karen Jones is attorney Robert F. McLaughlin from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., while the case has been assigned Case Number 25-006154-CI.
Source: 25006154CI.pdf
