In a recent court filing, Matthew J. Jeffords has lodged a negligence complaint against Michael A. Venuto and Spectrum Sunshine State, LLC, formerly known as Bright House Networks, LLC. The complaint was filed by Jeffords in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on May 31, 2024.
According to the documents submitted, Jeffords claims that on May 30, 2023, he was involved in a vehicular collision on SR 689 near its intersection with 28th Street N., Pinellas County. The plaintiff alleges that Venuto was driving a 2013 Ford vehicle owned by Spectrum at the time of the incident. Jeffords asserts that Venuto's negligent operation of the vehicle resulted in significant injuries and damages to him.
The complaint details that Jeffords suffered "bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life," as well as expenses related to medical and nursing care treatment due to the accident. These losses are described as either permanent or continuing, indicating ongoing repercussions from the incident.
Jeffords' legal action includes two counts of negligence: one directly against Venuto for his alleged failure to operate the vehicle safely and prudently; and another against Spectrum under the dangerous instrumentality doctrine. This doctrine holds vehicle owners liable for entrusting their vehicles to individuals who subsequently cause harm through negligent operation.
In Count I of the complaint, Jeffords emphasizes that Venuto had a duty to operate his vehicle carefully but breached this duty by causing the collision. As a result of this breach, Jeffords is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and interest. He also demands an award covering attorney’s fees and costs along with a jury trial for all triable issues.
Count II extends liability to Spectrum Sunshine State LLC (formerly Bright House Networks) for voluntarily entrusting their vehicle to Venuto. Under this count, Jeffords argues that Spectrum is responsible for his injuries due to their decision to allow Venuto to drive their vehicle. Similar to Count I, Jeffords seeks judgment for damages including medical expenses and lost earnings both current and future.
Representing Matthew J. Jeffords is John F. McGuire from McGuire Law Offices P.A., based in Clearwater, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-002414-CI in front of Judge Ken Burke at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County.