A shocking incident at a Boca Raton hotel has led to a lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the hotel's management. Warren Kaufman filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for Palm Beach County, Florida, on June 4, 2024, against Sonesta International Hotels Corp. and its Hotel Manager, Raymond Diaz.
According to the complaint, Kaufman was staying as a guest at the Sonesta Select Boca Raton on June 6, 2021, when he was attacked by a vicious dog that had been allowed to remain on the premises. The plaintiff claims that both Sonesta International Hotels Corp. and Raymond Diaz failed in their duty to maintain a safe environment for guests. "Defendant DIAZ permitted a vicious and threatening dog to remain at the Premises," states the complaint, detailing how this failure resulted in serious injuries for Kaufman.
The lawsuit outlines multiple allegations of negligence against both defendants. It asserts that Sonesta International Hotels Corp., as the property owner, had a nondelegable duty to ensure the safety of its guests but breached this duty by allowing unauthorized and aggressive dogs on its premises without proper warnings or security measures. Specific accusations include failing to warn other guests about the presence of an aggressive dog, not implementing adequate security measures such as restricting areas where dogs could be present or ensuring they were leashed at all times, and not taking action to remove the aggressive dog after becoming aware of its threatening behavior.
Raymond Diaz is similarly accused of failing in his responsibilities as Hotel Manager. The complaint lists several ways in which Diaz allegedly breached his duty: not maintaining a safe environment by allowing an aggressive dog to stay on the property, failing to warn other guests about the dog's presence, inadequately supervising or monitoring the dog's handler, and not responding appropriately to complaints from other guests or staff members regarding the dog's behavior.
As a result of these alleged failures, Kaufman claims he suffered bodily injuries leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, and medical expenses. These losses are described as either permanent or continuing into the future.
Kaufman is seeking judgment for damages exceeding $50,000 against both defendants along with any further relief deemed just and proper by the court. He has also demanded a jury trial for all triable issues.
The case is being handled by Alyssa Lettman from Kanner & Pintaluga P.A., representing Warren Kaufman. The case ID is 502024CA005188XXXAMB Div: AG.