Stassi v. Dollar Tree Stores Inc et al

On June 12, 2023, plaintiff Stassi initiated a premises liability lawsuit against Dollar Tree Stores Inc in a United States federal court. The complaint alleges that while shopping at a Dollar Tree location in New Jersey, Stassi slipped on a puddle of liquid detergent that had been leaking from a damaged container and left unattended in an aisle. The fall caused a fractured hip and lumbar spine injuries requiring surgery. Stassi claimed the store failed to routinely inspect the premises, neglected to place warning signs, and did not promptly clean the spill, thereby breaching its duty of care. The suit sought damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment. Dollar Tree denied the allegations and asserted that the hazard was open and obvious. The case reflects the broader legal exposure discount retailers face from slip-and-fall incidents.

The parties reached a confidential settlement in early 2024, and the court dismissed the case with prejudice in March 2024. No trial took place, and the settlement terms remain undisclosed.

Whether Dollar Tree breached its duty of care by failing to discover, remedy, or warn of a dangerous condition on its premises, and whether the plaintiff's own comparative negligence reduced or barred recovery.

The case heightened awareness of safety protocols in discount retail stores, prompting some chains to increase floor inspections and enhance employee training on spill response. It also reinforced the importance of robust premises liability insurance coverage for national retailers facing frequent slip-and-fall litigation.