In a dramatic legal turn of events, a Philadelphia resident has filed a lawsuit against a retail store and its associated property management entities following an alleged slip-and-fall incident. The complaint was lodged by Darselle Anderson in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas on January 30, 2025, targeting Rainbow Shop, 69th Street Office Owner LP, and ACC Management Corp.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on February 3, 2023, when Anderson claims she fell due to a hazardous condition at the Rainbow Shop located at 32 S. 69th Street in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. According to the court documents, Anderson was exiting the store when she tripped over a height differential between the door threshold and the adjoining sidewalk. This fall resulted in multiple injuries including facial lacerations, black eyes, knee injuries, and more severe internal injuries that have not yet been fully diagnosed.
Anderson accuses the defendants of negligence for failing to maintain safe premises for business invitees like herself. She alleges that they did not exercise reasonable care to discover or rectify the dangerous condition that posed an unreasonable risk of harm. "Failure to recognize that invitees would not discover or realize the danger or fail to protect themselves against it," reads one part of her complaint.
As a result of this alleged negligence, Anderson asserts she has suffered significant physical pain and mental anguish. The injuries have reportedly led to substantial medical expenses and impacted her ability to work and perform daily activities. Furthermore, Anderson anticipates ongoing financial losses due to diminished earning capacity as well as continued physical discomfort and emotional distress.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 plus costs from all three defendants—Rainbow Shop for their role as occupiers of the property; 69th Street Office Owner LP as owners; and ACC Management Corp., which managed the premises. The case underscores critical issues surrounding premises liability laws and business responsibilities towards ensuring customer safety.
Representing Darselle Anderson are attorneys Christian C. Thompson and Rebecca B. Gambino from Christian C. Thompson P.C., based in Newtown Square, PA. As this case progresses through the Delaware County Court system under Case ID: CV2025001000, it will be presided over by judges assigned within this jurisdiction.