In a recent legal filing, Maria Ocampo Pantoja has lodged a complaint against Jocqui Marquese Ellison and West Coast Logistics Inc. The complaint was filed on May 24, 2024, in the Circuit Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida. Pantoja, acting individually and as the parent and legal guardian of her minor son A.O., is seeking damages exceeding $50,000.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on August 2, 2023. According to the complaint, Jocqui Marquese Ellison was operating a 2020 Ford Super Duty Van owned by West Coast Logistics Inc. near the intersection of McMullen Booth Road and Mease Drive in Pinellas County. It is alleged that Ellison negligently operated the vehicle with either implied or expressed consent from West Coast Logistics Inc., leading to a collision with the vehicle occupied by Pantoja and her son.
Pantoja's lawsuit asserts that both Ellison and West Coast Logistics Inc. had a duty under the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine to operate the vehicle prudently to avoid causing harm. The complaint states that this duty was breached when Ellison "carelessly and negligently" drove the van, resulting in serious and permanent injuries to both Pantoja and her minor son.
As outlined in the court documents, Pantoja claims multiple forms of damages due to the accident. These include bodily injury, great physical pain and suffering, disability, loss of capacity to enjoy life, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement and scarring, loss of earnings or earning capacity, aggravation of existing conditions, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, and past and future medical expenses.
The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and judgment against both defendants for an amount exceeding $50,000 plus costs. Additionally, she requests any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Maria Ocampo Pantoja is attorney John N. Cain Jr., Esq., from Carey Leisure Carney law firm based in Clearwater, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-002293-CI.