Carol Sheffield Blake has taken legal action against a major retail corporation following an unfortunate incident that left her injured. On October 29, 2025, Carol Sheffield Blake filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, accusing Wal-Mart Stores East, LP of negligence.
According to the complaint, on June 12, 2025, while shopping at a Wal-Mart store located at 4225 45th Street in West Palm Beach, Florida, Blake was struck on the head by an improperly secured canoe paddle. The lawsuit alleges that this incident resulted from Wal-Mart’s failure to maintain and inspect their premises adequately. Blake claims that the store had a non-delegable duty to ensure customer safety by maintaining and securing items properly within the sporting goods section. She further asserts that there were no warnings or signs indicating any potential danger in the area where she was injured.
Blake’s complaint highlights several points of negligence on the part of Wal-Mart Stores East, LP. It states that the company failed to maintain and repair the area properly, secure the canoe paddle safely, inspect and correct any hazards, notify customers of potential dangers, prevent access to unsafe areas, implement preventive measures against such risks, and adequately train their employees to handle these responsibilities. As a result of these alleged failures, Blake suffered bodily injury leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, wage loss, medical expenses for treatment and care as well as aggravation of pre-existing conditions.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her injuries along with costs and interest associated with the case. Additionally demanding a jury trial for all issues triable by right before a jury. Her legal representation is being handled by Bernheim Kelley Battista LLC based in Fort Lauderdale.
Representing Carol Sheffield Blake are attorneys Robin A. Rios and Jesse N. Bernheim from Bernheim Kelley Battista LLC law firm located at 1212 E Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The case has been filed under Case Number: 502025CA011258XXXAMB Div: AN with Michael A. Caruso serving as Clerk for Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
Source: 502025CA011258XXXAMB_Carol_Sheffield_v_Walmart_Complaint_Palm_Beach_County_Florida.pdf
