CLEARWATER — A passenger is suing a boat operator and the city of Clearwater, alleging negligence.
Jada M.L. Walker filed a complaint Feb. 14 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Robb Olsen and the city of Clearwater, alleging the defendants failed to operate the boat and maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 23, 2015, Walker was a guest aboard a boat operated by Olsen. The suit says Olsen drank alcoholic beverages during the boat trip. After the trip, the suit alleges says Olsen asked Walker's help in getting the boat aboard a trailer, even though Walker had never done this before.
The lawsuit states the boat ramp was slippery, causing Walker to slip and fall, hitting her face and mouth on the cement surface of the ramp. The suit says the steps of the boat ramp were maintained by the city of Clearwater.
As a result, Walker says she sustained permanent personal injuries, pain and suffering, disability and loss of earnings.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants enlisted the assistance of a first-time boater (Walker) in the operation of putting the boat back on the trailer and failed to inspect the area of the ramp hidden by the water to check for safety before allowing and requesting passengers to walk on the ramp.
Walker seeks trial by jury, damages in excess of $15,000, plus post-judgment interest, and costs of the proceedings. She is represented by attorneys Jacob J. Munch and Catherine M. Saylor of Munch and Munch, PA in Tampa.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 18CA000964