WEST PALM BEACH – Neil Anthony and Michael Shiver of Steinger, Greene, & Feiner law firm obtained a $1.35 million verdict for a victim after showing the food chain, Chipotle Mexican Grille, was negligent in failing to repair a roof leak which ultimately led to the victim’s injuries.
In May, 2012, the store manager noticed the water pooling in the customer queue area. He found the floor to be extremely slippery, mopped, and then verified the area was dry.
The following day, the manager found a puddle in the same area, purportedly caused by rainfall. He contacted the corporate office citing safety concerns and requested expeditious repair. He continued to follow up with corporate for weeks, noting the rusted window frame and continued puddles. He then placed a yellow ‘caution’ sign near the window to warn customers. By mid-June, 2012 Chipotle’s corporate office had not facilitated the repair.
Customer, enters the eatery for lunch on June 15th. walks into the crowded store, past the sign, gets to the order station, and begins placing her order. She moves further left to see the toppings, slips, and falls backwards, landing on her back, and striking her head on the concrete floor. At that time, the manager says, “I knew something like this was going to happen.”
The customer’s injuries include a concussion, whiplash, herniated disks, and chronic ongoing pain which culminated in a three-level fusion of her spine.
After a seven day trial, the jury returned their verdict finding future damages and treatments will be long-term and were easily preventable had Chipotle kept their floors dry.
“Establishments have a responsibility to patrons to ensure a safe environment,” says founding firm partner, Michael Steinger. “The jury, in this case, sent a clear message that that sort of negligence cannot be tolerated.”
About Steinger, Greene & Feiner:
Steinger, Greene & Feiner is a proven legal team whose number one goal is to get injury victims every dollar they truly deserve for their injuries. Since 1997, the firm has successfully handled thousands of cases including auto accidents, bicycle accidents, birth injuries, product liability, and catastrophic cases. The entire team is committed to representing and fighting for victims’ best interests, giving each client insight into their individual rights as it relates to the law.
With more than 50 lawyers, 150 legal professionals, and offices throughout South Florida – Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port St Lucie, Okeechobee, Ft Myers, Orlando and Tampa, the firm is ready to advocate for the best interests of injury victims coast-to-coast.