CLEARWATER — The mother of a mentally disabled adult is suing the owner and operator of a St. Petersburg apartment complex, alleging breach of duty due to sexual abuse.
Mary Scroggins filed a complaint April 30 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Park Shore Investment LLC, doing business as Garden Court Apartments, alleging the defendant failed to use ordinary care, or protect its tenants from abuse, neglect, harm or exploitation.
According to the complaint, on May 2014, her mentally disabled daughter was sexually abused by the defendant's employee at Garden Court Apartments, 7401 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petserburg, in the plaintiff's apartment. The suit says the defendant knew of the daughter's mental disability, psychiatric issues and vulnerability to sexual abuse or misconduct.
As a result, Scroggins said her daughter sustained injuries, pain and suffering, loss of dignity, aggravated psychological injuries and mental anguish.
The plaintiff alleges Garden Court Apartments failed to care for and protect tenants from abuse, neglect, harm and exploitation from another person, particularly from its own employees.
Scroggins seeks trial by jury, damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of costs, interest, attorney fees and any relief the court deems proper. She is represented by attorneys Omar F. Medina of Medina Law Firm in Tampa, and by Marc D. Johnson and Daniel A. Larson of Larson Johnson, PL in Tampa.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 18CA2746 4/30