A Georgia woman has filed a lawsuit against a prominent hotel chain, alleging negligence that led to her serious injuries. Helen Coley lodged the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on July 1, 2024, targeting Vinay, Inc., doing business as La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Petersburg Northeast.
According to the court documents, Coley and her husband were staying at the La Quinta Inn & Suites located at 6638 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, on November 25, 2022. During their stay in Room 205, Coley slipped and fell on clear liquid that appeared to be water leaking from a faulty plumbing fixture in her room. The incident resulted in severe personal injuries for Coley.
The plaintiff claims that La Quinta had a nondelegable duty to ensure the safety of its guests but failed to maintain its premises adequately. "On said date and at said place, Defendant breached its duty owed to Plaintiff by committing one or more of the following acts or omissions," states the complaint. These alleged acts include failing to maintain or inspect the premises properly, not warning guests about potential hazards, and neglecting to correct known dangerous conditions.
Coley's legal team further accuses La Quinta of various forms of negligence: failing to have adequate staff for maintenance tasks, not training employees properly to identify hazardous conditions, and ignoring corporate policies regarding guest safety. The lawsuit also mentions that La Quinta used flooring materials that did not provide a non-slip surface and failed to tolerate moisture adequately.
As a result of these alleged lapses in care and safety protocols, Coley suffered multiple injuries including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. "Plaintiff has already suffered from all these injuries...and they are either permanent or continuing," reads the complaint.
Coley is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 plus interest and costs. She also demands a jury trial for all triable issues related to this case.
Representing Helen Coley is Lauren M. Pcholinski from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A. The case is being overseen by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 24-002948-CI.