Joan Penn has filed a negligence complaint against Darlene Raffetto in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida. The complaint, e-filed on May 21, 2024, accuses Raffetto of failing to maintain safe conditions at her Highland Beach property, resulting in serious injuries to Penn.
According to the filing, Joan Penn, a resident of Westchester County, New York, was leasing a dwelling from Darlene Raffetto located at 3310 South Ocean Blvd 930-D, Highland Beach, FL. On January 5, 2024, while closing a sliding glass shower door at the property, the glass shattered and violently lacerated Penn's hand. The plaintiff claims that this incident occurred due to unsafe conditions on the premises for which Raffetto is responsible.
Penn’s attorney argues that Raffetto breached her duty to ensure safety on her property. The complaint states: "Defendant failed to ensure safe surroundings on the premises causing unsafe hazardous conditions." As a direct result of this alleged negligence, Penn sustained severe and permanent injuries including bodily harm, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life as well as medical expenses.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits of the court. Specifically, Penn is demanding compensation for bodily injury; pain and suffering; disability; disfigurement; loss of capacity for enjoyment of life; aggravation of pre-existing conditions; medical and hospital care expenses; rehabilitation expenses; and mental distress. Additionally, she requests a jury trial for all issues so triable by right.
Representing Joan Penn are attorneys Anthony J. Russo Jr., Esq., and Jonathan V. Pierre from The Russo Firm based in Delray Beach, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA004723XXXAMB Div: AA with Judge Joseph Abruzzo presiding over it.