A recent court filing reveals a dramatic legal battle unfolding in Palm Beach County, Florida. On June 18, 2024, Dalva Oliveira filed a complaint against the Church of All Nations, Assemblies of God, Inc., alleging negligence that led to significant personal injuries.
According to the complaint filed in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, Oliveira claims that on July 2, 2023, she was lawfully present at the Church of All Nations located at 1300 NW 4th Avenue in Boca Raton. While walking backstage, Oliveira encountered an uneven floor surface caused by a covered baptismal pool. The cover created an optical illusion due to its dark-colored carpet matching the surrounding floor and insufficient lighting exacerbated the hazard. As a result, Oliveira tripped and fell, sustaining severe injuries.
The plaintiff's accusations are detailed and extensive. She alleges that the church failed to maintain a safe environment by allowing an uneven walking surface and inadequate lighting conditions. "Defendant knew or should have known that persons such as Plaintiff would be walking in the backstage area," reads one part of the complaint. Oliveira further contends that the church breached its duty by not providing adequate warnings or taking necessary precautions to prevent such accidents.
Oliveira is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other related costs. The lawsuit emphasizes multiple failures on part of the church including poor maintenance practices and lack of proper safety measures like warning signs or sufficient lighting.
Representing Oliveira is Dan Cytryn from Cytryn & Velazquez P.A., while details about defense attorneys are yet to be disclosed. The case has been assigned Case Number: 502024CA005721 XXXAMB Div: AO.