A tragic incident involving a fatal fall from a ladder has led to a lawsuit against a Palm Beach County resident. Marisa Alfonso Vasques, the widow of Marco Antonio Vasques, filed the complaint on July 15, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, accusing Sam Zangeneh of negligence that resulted in her husband's death.
According to the complaint, Marco Antonio Vasques was hired by Sam Zangeneh to paint his home. After completing the painting job, Zangeneh requested Marco's assistance with fixing an exterior light fixture on the second floor of his house. The plaintiff alleges that this task was separate from the initial painting job and that a master-servant relationship was formed between Zangeneh and Marco when he agreed to help with the light fixture.
The lawsuit claims that Zangeneh provided tools, guidance, and instructions for fixing the light fixture and retained control over Marco's work. It further asserts that Zangeneh failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising and controlling the task. On August 12, 2023, while performing this work under Zangeneh's supervision, Marco fell from a ladder and sustained severe injuries that led to his death on August 19, 2023.
The complaint details several specific acts of negligence by Zangeneh: failing to stabilize the ladder properly, not monitoring Marco during the work adequately, and failing to provide correct and reasonable instructions. As a result of these alleged failures, Marco suffered fatal injuries from his fall.
Marisa Alfonso Vasques is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 for herself and her family under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act. She claims damages for lost support and services from her husband’s death until now and into the future. Additionally, she seeks compensation for loss of companionship and protection as well as mental pain and suffering caused by her husband's untimely death. The couple's minor son Joao Vitor Vasques is also named as a survivor who has suffered similar losses.
The plaintiff demands judgment against Sam Zangeneh for compensatory damages along with interest and costs associated with bringing forth this action. She also requests any other relief deemed fair and just by the court.
Representing Marisa Alfonso Vasques are attorneys Michael A. Hersh (Florida Bar No. 0056019) and Ian M. Kirtman (Florida Bar No. 84393) from Hersh Kirtman Injury Law based in Boca Raton, Florida.