Tom Paradise and Tommie DePrima (Hollywood, FL) (Slip and Fall) obtained a Defense Verdict on behalf of their client, Panda Express, in a negligence action brought by Plaintiff, Altheda Henry, against Defendant, Panda Express, in a jury trial that took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, between June 6th through June 9th, 2023.
The Plaintiff claimed that she sustained injuries as a result of an incident that occurred on July 25, 2019, at Panda Express. The Plaintiff, Altheda Henry, was a Doordash courier and went to the Panda Express restaurant to pick up a food order. As she entered the restaurant, she alleges that she slipped and fell on a wet floor which caused her to sustain certain injuries. Ms. Henry alleges that Panda Express negligently failed to correct a dangerous condition about which it either knew or should have known by the use of reasonable care. As a result of the incident, Ms. Henry claimed that she severely injured her left knee, sustaining a torn meniscus which required surgery, and an injury to her hip and lower back which required prolonged physical therapy and injections to both areas. The past medical bills were in excess of $72,000.00 and there was a claim for future medical expenses as well. Panda Express took the position that they did not have notice of the hazardous condition on the floor and that the Plaintiff may have tripped or slipped as a result of the shoes that she was wearing at the time. The defense was also able to show some inconsistencies in her medical records regarding causation.
In less than 25 minutes, the jury found in favor of Panda Express with a finding of no liability. Due to an expired PFS, Defendant’s motion seeking the recovery of Panda Express’ attorney’s fees and costs is pending.
Plaintiff’s Demand at Trial: A range was submitted between $250,000.00 and $1,000,000.00.