CLEARWATER — A mother and daughter are suing Clearwater housing development operators, alleging breach of duty and negligence caused the plaintiffs to be bitten by bedbugs.
Vanessa Ortiz and Isabella Ortiz, a minor child by and through her mother and natural guardian, filed a complaint Sept. 20 in Pinellas Circuit Court against El-Ad National Properties LLC, doing business as Melrose on the Bay Apartments, et al, alleging they failed to provide a safe environment fit for human use.
According to the complaint, on April 11, Vanessa Ortiz and Isabella Ortiz were residing in rental apartment No. 305, at 16321 Bolesta Road, Clearwater, when they were bitten by bedbugs. The suit says they sustained bodily injuries,resulting in pain and suffering, disability, permanent scarring and disfigurement.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants negligently failed to eliminate bedbug infestations and failed to adequately warn the Ortizes of the existing danger.
The Ortizes seek trial by jury, damages of more than $15,000 and all other proper relief. They are represented by attorney Alina M. Morros of Fiol Law Group PA in Tampa.
Pinellas Circuit Court case number 18C6179