In the Circuit Court of the 6th Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, a lawsuit has been filed by plaintiff Valerie Johnson against defendants Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Jane/John Doe. The case number is 24-001386-CI and was e-filed on March 26, 2024.
The complaint states that on July 30, 2021, Johnson was traveling on a bus owned by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority when an employee, identified as Jane/John Doe, made a reckless turn causing Johnson to be launched from her seat and break her collar bone. As a result of this incident, Johnson suffered permanent bodily injuries including physical injury; physical and mental pain and suffering; mental anguish and emotional distress; the loss of ability to enjoy life; loss of ability to earn income; and past and future medical expenses.
Johnson is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 from both defendants. She alleges negligence on part of Jane/John Doe for failing to operate the bus in a safe manner. Additionally, she holds Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority vicariously liable under the Doctrine of Respondent Superior as well as the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine.