An Ocala woman has filed a lawsuit against a local Chinese buffet, claiming she allegedly slipped and fell on wet tiles outside of the establishment.

Ivette Escobar-Givens filed the lawsuit against China Lee Buffet, Inc., in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County in mid-October.

According to the complaint, Escobar-Givens was visiting the restaurant 3933 E. Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on July 9, 2024.

During her visit, Escobar-Givens claims that she “slipped and fell on wet, slick, non-slip resistant, tile flooring” that was located outside of the restaurant, on the “ground of the premises.”

As a result of the slip, Escobar-Givens sustained unspecified injuries.

Escobar-Givens’ attorneys argue that China Lee Buffet owned their client a duty to maintain the premises in a “reasonably safe condition,” and that they were negligent in keeping “non-slip resistant tile flooring outside” in an area that is not covered and exposed to elements.

The lawsuit goes on to accuse the restaurant of failing to adequately inspect the premises to “ascertain whether the ground had adequate non-slip surfacing.” It claims the scenario created an “unreasonably dangerous condition” to those visiting the establishment.

Additionally, Escobar-Givens argues that there were no “wet floor signs” or other markings traditionally used to “alert individuals of the…slipper nature of the ground with water on it,” reads the complaint.

As a result of the incident, Escobar-Givens claims she suffered bodily injury including “physical and mental pain and suffering,” a loss of capacity “for the enjoyment of life,” medical and hospital bills, and several other damages. She claims the injuries she has sustained are “either permanent or continuing in nature” and that she will continue to “suffer the losses in the future.”

Escobar-Givens is seeking in excess of $50,000 in total damages.

Court records show that a summons was served to a representative of the company on November 10. In the state of Florida, individuals have 20 days to file a response to a complaint with the court. A response from the company has not yet been recorded as of Monday morning.