A slip-and-fall incident at a well-known grocery chain has led to a lawsuit that highlights the responsibilities of businesses to maintain safe premises for their customers. Patti Beninato, a resident of Pinellas County, Florida, filed a complaint against Publix Super Markets, Inc. in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit on February 27, 2026. The lawsuit accuses Publix of negligence after Beninato suffered injuries from slipping on water near the deli counter at a Tarpon Springs location.
The incident occurred on September 25, 2024, when Beninato was shopping at the Publix store located at 40932 U.S. Highway 19 North in Tarpon Springs. According to the complaint, she slipped and fell due to an unsafe condition—a wet floor—that was not addressed by Publix employees. The fall resulted in significant injuries to her neck, back, legs, and other parts of her body. “Plaintiff’s fall was caused by an unsafe or dangerous condition on the Publix Premises,” states the complaint.
Beninato alleges that Publix had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition but failed to take corrective action or warn customers about it. She asserts that she had no prior knowledge of the danger and denies any comparative negligence on her part. The lawsuit claims that Publix’s failure to maintain a safe environment breached its duty of care towards invitees like Beninato.
The legal filing seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life due to permanent injuries sustained from the fall. Beninato is demanding a jury trial and is represented by attorneys George Alan Tripp Jr. and R. Mark Bortner from Tripp Law Firm P.A., based in Seminole, Florida.
The case is being presided over by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 26-001312-CI in Pinellas County’s Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. As this legal battle unfolds, it underscores the critical importance for businesses to ensure customer safety within their premises.
Source: 26001312CI_Patti_Beninato_v_Publix_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
