Jury Awards $11.3 Million to Target Shopper Injured in Fall
UPDATE: A jury has awarded over $11.3 million to a Florida mother after she suffered severe injuries from a fall in a Target parking lot during the busy holiday season. The 44-year-old woman was awarded $11,391,183.28 for her injuries sustained on December 23, 2019, at a Super Target in Winter Garden, an Orlando suburb.
The verdict was announced recently, confirming that Target was found 90 percent at fault for the incident. As shoppers flocked to the store for last-minute holiday purchases, the mother was carrying her daughter and navigating through the parking lot when she tripped over an uneven surface, causing serious injuries.
According to reports from WFTV, the woman fell near a landscaping island where there was a dangerous elevation change between the asphalt and the concrete gutter. This hazardous condition violated several building codes, leading to her tragic accident. As she attempted to maintain her balance while carrying her child, she twisted her ankle and ultimately suffered fractures to her left ankle, right tibia, fibula, and lateral malleolus.
The mother, represented by Morgan & Morgan attorneys Matt Morgan, Fan Li, and Perry Nava, had previously rejected a pre-trial settlement offer of $250,000. The case highlights significant concerns regarding safety standards in commercial parking lots, especially during peak shopping periods.
The emotional toll of the incident has been profound, as the fall placed her in an uncomfortable and vulnerable position, affecting her ability to care for her child and manage daily activities.
As this case unfolds, it raises important questions about liability and safety in retail environments. The impact on Target is significant, as the ruling could lead to increased scrutiny of their safety practices.
This urgent update underscores the necessity for vigilant safety measures in public spaces, especially during high-traffic events like the holiday shopping season. What happens next for the victim and how Target will respond remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
