Slip-and-Fall Case Yields $101K Verdict for Plaintiff
Table of Contents
Visit to the Store
On October 3, 2019, Linda Medrzychowski visited the Ocean State Job Lot store in Griswold, Connecticut. Ocean State Job Lot of CT2004, LLC owned and operated the store at 461 Voluntown Road. She entered the premises as a lawful business invitee. At the time, the Defendant controlled and maintained the property. Employees and agents of the Defendant were responsible for keeping the store safe for customers.
What Went Wrong
That day, Medrzychowski walked through the store’s main inside walkway. She slipped on a liquid substance that had pooled on the floor. No warning signs were in place. The surface lacked slip-resistant material. According to the complaint, the Defendant and its agents failed to inspect the area or follow safety procedures. The Plaintiff alleged that they ignored building and safety codes. As a result, she fell and sustained injuries. The suit claimed this hazard was preventable with reasonable care.
Injuries from the Fall
The fall caused injuries to her lower back, right wrist, right leg, and right shoulder. Medrzychowski required immediate medical attention. She underwent imaging tests, physical therapy, and pain injections. Her treatment included prescription medications. The injuries caused ongoing pain. She also developed a fear of future pain and disability related to the fall. Her condition interfered with her daily life and physical comfort.
Lasting Impact and Costs
As a result, Medrzychowski incurred significant medical expenses. She spent money on treatment, medications, and medical devices. She claimed physical pain that would likely continue. She also cited emotional suffering due to her fear of lasting effects. The Plaintiff stated that the injuries caused both financial and personal hardship. She requested fair and reasonable compensation.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Linda Medrzychowski
Counsel for Plaintiff: Humbert J. Polito Jr.
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Ammar Anbari | Mohammad Pash | Robert Maxon
Defendant(s): Ocean State Job Lot of CT2004, LLC
Counsel for Defendant: Bruce H. Raymond
Expert Witness for Defendant: John J. Mara
Allegations Against the Store
Medrzychowski filed suit against Ocean State Job Lot of CT2004, LLC in Superior Court, alleging multiple safety failures by the Defendant. She claimed the store failed to remove the liquid from the walkway, install slip-resistant flooring, or warn customers about the hazard. According to the complaint, the Defendant also failed to comply with applicable building, fire, and safety codes, and did not provide safe walking surfaces under foreseeable conditions. Additionally, the Plaintiff asserted that the store failed to follow its own safety procedures, properly inspect and maintain the walkway, or use adequate signage to alert customers of the danger. As a result of these alleged acts of negligence, Medrzychowski demanded damages exceeding $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs.
Defense
Ocean State Job Lot of CT2004, LLC (“OSJL”) denied most allegations in Linda Medrzychowski’s amended complaint. While the Defendant admitted it leased, operated, and possessed the premises, it denied ownership of the property and denied having exclusive control over the conditions that allegedly caused the Plaintiff’s injuries. OSJL also denied knowledge of key claims regarding the incident and challenged the specifics of the alleged hazardous condition, Plaintiff’s injuries, and resulting damages.
In its special defense, OSJL asserted that, if Medrzychowski suffered injuries, she was at least partly responsible due to her own negligence. The Defendant claimed she failed to keep a proper lookout, did not watch where she was walking, and failed to use reasonable care for her own safety. OSJL argued that any hazardous conditions were open and obvious and that the Plaintiff either knew of them or should have. The defense also claimed she assumed the risk by walking through the allegedly dangerous area.
Jury Verdict
On June 6, 2025, a jury found in favor of Linda Medrzychowski in her case against Ocean State Job Lot of CT2004, LLC, assigning 50% liability to both the plaintiff and the defendant. The jury awarded $52,500 in economic damages and $150,000 in noneconomic damages, totaling $202,500. However, due to the plaintiff’s 50% comparative liability, the court reduced the award by half. As a result, Medrzychowski received a final compensation of $101,250. The verdict reflected shared responsibility for the incident and adjusted the damages accordingly.