CLEARWATER — A pedestrian is suing the state transportation department, alleging negligence caused the plaintiff to fall into a drain.
Caroline Hanna filed a complaint Oct. 2 in Pinellas Circuit Court against the Florida Department of Transportation, alleging failure to maintain the sidewalk and drain cover in a reasonably safe condition.
According to the complaint, on May 24, 2015, Hanna was walking on a sidewalk at 6695 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, when she stepped on a drain cover that was not properly secured and fell into a hole. The suit says Hanna sustained bodily injuries, resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of earnings and medical bills.
The plaintiff alleges the Florida Department of Transportation negligently created or allowed a dangerous condition to exist on the sidewalk and failed to take proper and timely actions to reduce or eliminate foreseeable risks.
Hanna seeks trial by jury and damages of more than $15,000. She is represented by attorney Nicholas Ottaviano of Law Offices of Lucas | Magazine in New Port Richey.
Pinellas Circuit Court case number 18C6469