A slip-and-fall incident at a convenience store has escalated into a legal battle as a Florida resident seeks justice for injuries sustained on the premises. Joeyolanda Mells filed a complaint against WAWA, Inc., in the Circuit Court of Pinellas County, Florida, on November 4, 2025. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of WAWA, Inc., leading to Mells’ accident and subsequent injuries.
According to the complaint, Mells was visiting a WAWA store located at 6200 34th St N in Pinellas Park, Florida, on July 9, 2024. During her visit as a business invitee, she slipped and fell on a wet floor that constituted the sole access route to the store. The lawsuit claims that WAWA failed in its duty to maintain safe conditions for its patrons. Mells accuses WAWA of several negligent acts including failing to implement proper procedures for maintaining safe conditions and neglecting adequate supervision of the facilities. The plaintiff argues that these failures directly resulted in her serious bodily injury which includes pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and financial burdens from medical expenses.
The complaint further elaborates on various counts against WAWA such as general negligence, premises liability, negligent mode of operation, negligent maintenance, and negligent failure to warn. Each count underscores specific duties allegedly breached by WAWA which contributed to creating or failing to mitigate hazardous conditions at their store. For instance, it is alleged that WAWA did not display caution signs or provide appropriate warnings about the dangerous condition of the flooring/mat where Mells fell.
Mells is seeking judgment against WAWA for damages exceeding $50,000 along with interest and costs associated with the trial. She demands compensation for her ongoing losses which are described as permanent or continuing due to the nature of her injuries. Additionally, she requests a jury trial to resolve all issues triable by jury.
Representing Joeyolanda Mells is attorney James M. Ragano from Stockham Law Group based in Tampa, Florida. The case is identified under Case Number: 25-006228-CI in the Circuit Court of Pinellas County.
Source: 25006228CI_Joeyolanda_Mells_v_Wawat_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
