Whole Foods faces lawsuit from customer who claims she was robbed

A woman is suing over claims she was assaulted, battered and robbed.

Josette Belvedere filed a lawsuit Oct. 15 in the Circuit Court of Cook County against Whole Foods Market Group Inc., doing business as Whole Foods Market, and Morrison Security Corp. and a potential John Doe defendant.

The plaintiff says on Jan. 18, 2012, she sustained serious injuries when she was assaulted, battered and robbed while on the premises of Whole Foods, 30 W. Huron St. in Chicago.

The plaintiff contends Whole Foods had the duty to exercise care and caution for customers legally on the premises. In addition, Whole Foods hired security guards to protect the property and patrons, but they failed to act properly, according to the complaint.

The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $50,000. She is being represented by Mark L. Karno & Associates in Chicago.

Circuit Court of Cook County Case No. 2013L011379.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.