Austin, Texas (October 24, 2024) — Doyle & Seelbach PLLC secured a significant victory for Randall's Food and Drugs, LP, when a Williamson County jury returned a verdict awarding zero damages in a slip-and-fall case where the plaintiff sought $3.5 million. The jury found no negligence by Randall's, marking a decisive win in a case that began in 2019.

The plaintiff Cheryl Joyner alleged that faulty coolers/freezers and inadequate hazard warnings caused a serious injury at a Randall's grocery store. However, lead counsel Josh Bolduc, along with attorney Eduardo Ortiz and paralegal Maddison Decker, successfully demonstrated that Randall's had taken appropriate steps to ensure customer safety, including remediation efforts and placement of multiple warning cones. Throughout the trial, the defense team revisited video evidence that showed the plaintiff walking past these clearly visible caution cones before the fall. The jury ultimately sided with Randall's, rejecting the plaintiff's claims.

Karl Seelbach, the firm’s Managing Partner, praised the outcome and reiterated how a commitment to customer safety carried the day:  "Randall's is deeply committed to ensuring the safety of its customers. This jury verdict reinforces the fact that the company takes deliberate steps every day to maintain a safe shopping environment, and we’re pleased that the jury recognized those efforts." 

Doyle & Seelbach’s defense strategy emphasized the role of individual accountability, asking jurors to consider whether the plaintiff had taken reasonable care for their own safety—a central theme in the defense's opening statement. In an era of rising large verdicts, this case serves as a refreshing reminder that Texas juries still value personal responsibility. The defense’s focus on individual accountability and adherence to industry standards was central to the case. The jury’s decision to award no damages affirms that Randall's met its duty of care, demonstrating that safety remains a top priority for the company.

Doyle & Seelbach PLLC continues to defend businesses across Texas, delivering successful outcomes through strategic representation and a commitment to legal excellence.

For more information, visit www.doyleseelbach.com