A Delaware County resident has taken legal action against a prominent chocolate manufacturer following a severe slip-and-fall incident at the company's factory. Shehera Ahmed-Coleman filed a civil complaint on July 22, 2024, in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas against Barry Callebaut USA, LLC, alleging negligence that resulted in significant injuries.
According to the complaint, Ahmed-Coleman was performing temporary work at Barry Callebaut's factory located at 903 Industrial Highway in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit claims that while exiting the butter room on July 22, 2024, she slipped and fell due to an accumulation of cocoa butter on the floor. The plaintiff asserts that there were no warning signs indicating the hazardous condition of the walkway. "Suddenly and without warning, Plaintiff was caused to slip and fall on an accumulation of cocoa butter that had accumulated on the floor," states the complaint.
Ahmed-Coleman contends that Barry Callebaut USA, LLC failed to maintain a safe environment for its business invitees. She cites multiple lapses including not providing warnings about the slippery conditions and neglecting proper maintenance protocols. The lawsuit references Gutteridge v. A.P. Green Servs., Inc., highlighting that as a business invitee, Ahmed-Coleman was owed "the highest duty of care" by the defendant.
The injuries sustained from the fall are described as severe and permanent. Ahmed-Coleman alleges she suffered herniations and bulges to discs in her back along with neuropathy and radiculopathy causing severe pain radiating down her buttocks, knees, and legs. The complaint also mentions ongoing pain and suffering which may persist indefinitely or become permanent.
The plaintiff argues that Barry Callebaut USA, LLC had either actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition but failed to take appropriate measures to rectify it or warn individuals about it. "Defendant negligently and/or carelessly created and/or permitted the dangerous defect and/or condition on the floor to exist," reads one part of the filing.
In terms of relief sought, Ahmed-Coleman is demanding compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for medical expenses incurred due to her injuries, loss of enjoyment of life’s pleasures, mental anguish, lost wages, loss of earning capacity among other damages under Pennsylvania law. Additionally, she seeks delay damages as well as pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.
Representing Ahmed-Coleman are attorneys Austin R. Freundlich (I.D. #205670) and Gregory C. Littman (I.D.#306806) from Freundlich & Littman LLC based in Philadelphia. The case has been filed under Case No: [not provided] with proceedings set before judges from Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.