CLEARWATER — A visitor is suing a St. Petersburg apartment owner, alleging negligence in causing injuries by not keeping the complex safe.
Helena Velina Loyless filed a complaint Sept. 15 in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida Pinellas County against The Richman Group of Florida Inc., doing business as Booker Creek Apartments LTD, alleging the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care to maintain its the apartment premises in a reasonably safe condition for invitees.
According to the complaint, on Dec. 26, 2016, Loyless was descending the stairs of the Brooker Creek Apartments at 2486 13th Ave. N. St. Petersburg, when she came upon a step in the staircase that was loose and rocking. The suit says Loyless lost her balance and fell from the stairs to the ground.
As a result, the lawsuit states, Loyless' body twisted and she fell forward and heard her right ankle snap loudly. She says she suffered a severely fractured right ankle and injuries to other parts of her body, plus severe emotional distress and loss of earning capacity.
The plaintiff alleges Booker Creek Apartments failed to use reasonable care to design an acceptable staircase to the building, failed to correct the defective design of the stairs and failed to warn of the dangerous condition at the stairs.
Loyless seeks trial by jury, damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs. She is represented by attorney Paul Castagliola of St. Petersburg.
Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida Pinellas County