Florida Woman Wins $11.4M Lawsuit Against Target
In a dramatic October 2025 courtroom decision, a Florida jury awarded a woman nearly $11.4 million after a routine shopping trip turned into a life-altering ordeal. The woman, who suffered a severe leg injury after tripping on an uneven curb in a Target parking lot, won a lawsuit against the retail giant, highlighting the serious consequences of what many might consider a mundane errand.
A Familiar Scene Turns Dangerous
It was December 23, 2019, a busy holiday shopping day at Winter Garden Village in Florida, just west of Orlando. The woman, 44 years old at the time, was carrying her young daughter through the Target parking lot, navigating the usual holiday traffic and puddles that come with winter rains. What should have been a simple walk to the store became a hazardous journey when she stepped near a landscaping island where the pavement abruptly dropped off at the curb. This sudden change in elevation was not just a minor inconvenience — it was a design flaw that violated several building codes, according to the lawsuit, as reported by PEOPLE.
As she stepped onto this uneven surface, she reportedly twisted her left ankle and fell. In a desperate attempt to keep her balance and hold onto her child, she landed in an awkward position, fracturing three bones in her right leg: the tibia, fibula and lateral malleolus. The injury was severe enough to require multiple medical procedures, and she now lives with permanent hardware — metal rods and screws — embedded in her leg, a constant reminder of that fateful day.
The Lawsuit and Verdict
The woman's legal team, Morgan & Morgan, took on the case against Target Corp. and Site Centers Corp., the property owner of Winter Garden Village. Before the trial, Target reportedly offered a settlement of $250,000, which the woman declined, confident in the strength of her case. The jury ultimately agreed, finding Target 90% at fault for the incident due to the unsafe design of the parking lot, as reported by PEOPLE.
The verdict reflects not only the physical pain and suffering endured but also the long-term impact on the woman's quality of life. Her attorneys emphasized that the injury has left her with ongoing pain and limitations, a stark contrast to the safe, familiar retail outing she had anticipated.
Why This Case Matters
This case serves as a sobering reminder that even everyday environments can harbor hidden dangers. Parking lots, often overlooked as simple transit spaces, must adhere to strict safety standards to protect shoppers. The jury's decision underscores the importance of compliance with building codes and the responsibility retailers have to maintain safe premises.
For Target, the verdict comes at a challenging time. Just days after the jury's decision, the company reportedly announced plans to cut 1,800 corporate jobs amid stagnant sales and fierce competition from rivals like Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. The retailer is also undergoing leadership changes, with CEO Brian Cornell stepping down after 11 years, to be replaced by Michael Fiddelke in early 2026, as reported by PEOPLE.
A Personal Tragedy in a Public Space
What makes this story resonate is the human element behind the numbers and legal jargon. Imagine setting out for a simple shopping trip, a task many of us perform without a second thought, only to have it end in a devastating injury. The woman's experience is a poignant example of how quickly life can change due to factors beyond one's control.
You might picture the holiday hustle — the crowded parking lot, the puddles from recent rain, the careful steps taken while holding a child's hand. Then, suddenly, a misstep on an uneven curb, a fall and a fracture that alters the course of your life. It's a narrative that evokes empathy and a renewed appreciation for the safety measures we often take for granted.
Lessons for Shoppers and Retailers
This case is a cautionary tale to stay vigilant even in familiar places. Uneven surfaces, abrupt changes in elevation and other hazards can lurk in the most routine settings. For retailers and property managers, it's a call to action to rigorously inspect and maintain their premises, ensuring compliance with safety codes to prevent such accidents.
The verdict also highlights the power of standing up for one's rights. The woman's decision to reject a modest settlement offer and pursue justice through the courts resulted in a substantial award that acknowledges the severity of her injury and its lifelong consequences.
References: Woman Awarded Nearly $11.4M in Target Lawsuit After Parking Lot Injury | Woman wins $11.3M lawsuit against Target after fracturing ankle in parking lot | Florida woman wins $11 million lawsuit after fall in Target parking lot near Orlando | Woman sues Target over parking lot fall, wins $11.3M
