In a dramatic legal showdown, a couple from Santa Clara County has filed a lawsuit against a well-known grocery chain, accusing it of negligence that led to severe injuries. The complaint was filed by Martha Carolina Nava De Garcia and Arturo Garcia in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on May 5, 2025. The defendants named in the case are Cardenas Markets, Inc., Cardenas Markets LLC, and an individual named Merlyn Ramirez.
The plaintiffs allege that on October 19, 2023, Martha Carolina Nava De Garcia suffered a serious slip and fall accident at a Cardenas Markets location in Gilroy, California. According to the complaint, the incident occurred due to hazardous conditions on the premises—specifically, liquid substances present on the floor near the vegetable/produce area. The plaintiffs argue that these conditions were exacerbated by inadequate safety measures and warnings from the store management. "Defendants knew or reasonably should have known of the slip and fall danger," states the complaint, highlighting what they see as a failure to take necessary precautions.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action against Cardenas Markets and its affiliates: general negligence, premises liability, and loss of consortium. The plaintiffs assert that Cardenas had a nondelegable duty to maintain safe premises for its customers but failed to do so. They claim that the choice of flooring material contributed significantly to the risk of slipping when wet and accuse Cardenas of prioritizing economic gain over customer safety.
The Garcias are seeking compensatory damages exceeding $35,000 for medical expenses incurred due to Ms. Nava De Garcia's injuries. They also seek additional compensation for future medical costs and lost earning capacity resulting from her inability to work following the accident. Mr. Garcia is pursuing damages for loss of consortium due to his wife's injuries impacting their marital relationship.
Representing the plaintiffs is attorney Brian G. Beecher from The Law Offices of Arash Khorsandi PC in Los Angeles. The case has been assigned Case No. 25CV465153 in front of Judge S. Rodriguez at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County.