Finley v. Ingles Markets Inc

On February 8, 2024, plaintiff Finley suffered injuries in a slip and fall incident at an Ingles Markets store in the United States. The plaintiff alleged the supermarket failed to inspect, discover, and remedy a hazardous liquid or substance on the floor, constituting negligence. Ingles Markets denied liability, arguing it lacked actual or constructive knowledge of the danger and that the condition was open and obvious. The company moved for summary judgment, contending no genuine dispute of material fact warranted a jury trial. The court examined surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and deposition testimony to determine whether the store exercised ordinary care in keeping the premises safe.

The court denied Ingles Markets' motion for summary judgment, finding a genuine issue of material fact existed regarding the store's constructive knowledge and the reasonableness of its inspection procedures, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

Whether Ingles Markets had constructive notice of the spill, and whether the hazardous condition was open and obvious, thus potentially barring the plaintiff's recovery under comparative negligence rules.

The case reinforces the duty of retail establishments to implement regular and documented floor inspection protocols. It highlights how surveillance evidence and store policies can impact premises liability litigation, encouraging businesses to enhance safety measures to avoid costly lawsuits and protect customers.