In a recent court filing, John L. Johnson and his wife, Gloria Jackson Johnson, have lodged a negligence complaint against Groundworks of Palm Beach County Inc. The complaint was filed on May 21, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida.
The plaintiffs allege that Groundworks of Palm Beach County Inc., a Florida corporation operating in West Palm Beach, failed to maintain its driveway properly. According to the complaint, on October 27, 2021, John L. Johnson tripped over what appeared to be dried dirt but was wet underneath while walking on the defendant's property at 8140 93rd Lane South in Boynton Beach. This incident allegedly caused severe injuries to Mr. Johnson.
The lawsuit claims that Groundworks of Palm Beach County Inc. had a duty to ensure the safety of their premises, including maintaining safe walking surfaces and warning visitors about potential hazards. The plaintiffs argue that the company breached this duty by failing to repair or adequately mark the dangerous area. The complaint states: "Defendant knew or should have known of the existence of the dangerous and hazardous condition," referring to the deceptive surface condition that led to Mr. Johnson's fall.
As a result of this alleged negligence, John L. Johnson has suffered significant physical and emotional distress, including "bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish," among other damages. The complaint further details ongoing medical expenses and loss of earning capacity due to permanent injuries sustained from the fall.
Gloria Jackson Johnson has also filed a consortium claim within the same lawsuit. She asserts that her husband's injuries have resulted in a loss of his services and companionship, which she will continue to suffer from in the future due to his ongoing medical issues.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for both personal injury and loss of consortium claims. They demand judgment against Groundworks of Palm Beach County Inc., along with coverage for legal costs and a trial by jury for all triable issues.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Joseph J. Slama (Florida Bar No.: 476171), Christopher W. Royer (Florida Bar No.: 139981), and Justin D. Bailey (Florida Bar No.: 1018459) from Krupnick Campbell Malone Buser Slama Hancock P.A., based in Fort Lauderdale.