In a recent legal filing, Richard Lee Esdale has lodged a negligence complaint against the Lake Worth Drainage District, a government entity. The complaint was filed by Esdale on May 22, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida.
According to the details of the case, Esdale alleges that on December 20, 2023, he was involved in a vehicular accident caused by Zachary Taylor Braswell, an employee of the Lake Worth Drainage District. Esdale was driving his black 2021 Toyota Camry westbound on Boynton Beach Boulevard when Braswell, operating a white 2016 Ford F550 pickup truck owned by the defendant, collided with him from behind. The incident occurred as Esdale stopped his vehicle to accommodate traffic near Military Trail in unincorporated Palm Beach County.
Esdale's complaint outlines several points of negligence on Braswell's part. It is claimed that Braswell failed to observe surrounding traffic adequately and did not maintain control over his vehicle. Furthermore, Braswell allegedly drove at an unreasonable speed and failed to adhere to applicable traffic laws and ordinances. As stated in the complaint: "Braswell unreasonably caused Vehicle #1 to crash into Vehicle #2," resulting in severe injuries for Esdale.
The plaintiff asserts that these injuries are permanent and continuing in nature, causing significant pain and incurring substantial medical expenses. Additionally, Esdale claims financial losses due to lost wages stemming from his inability to work following the accident. The complaint underscores that all conditions precedent required under Florida Statutes Section 768.28 have been met or waived.
Esdale is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of attorneys' fees, costs, and interest. He demands judgment against the Lake Worth Drainage District for all appropriate reliefs deemed just by the court. This includes compensation for medical expenses, physical handicap suffered due to the accident, and financial losses incurred.
Representing Richard Lee Esdale is attorney James P. Gitkin from Salpeter Gitkin LLP based in Hollywood, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA004787XXXAMB Div: AA and will be presided over by Judge Joseph Abruzzo.