A Broward County resident has taken legal action against a local behavioral health facility, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries. On July 15, 2024, David Forance filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Retreat Behavioral Health, LLC.
According to the complaint, Forance claims that on August 28, 2023, he was a guest at Retreat Behavioral Health's premises located at 4020 Lake Worth Road in Palm Beach County when he tripped and fell due to a misleveled elevator shaft. The plaintiff alleges that this hazardous condition resulted in significant injuries. "The existence of the misleveled elevator shaft created an unreasonably dangerous and unsafe condition," the complaint states.
Forance asserts that Retreat Behavioral Health had either actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition but failed to address it adequately. The lawsuit accuses the defendant of multiple breaches of duty, including failing to maintain safe premises, not training employees properly to identify and repair hazards, neglecting to restrict access to dangerous areas, and not warning guests about latent dangers. These failures allegedly resulted in Forance sustaining severe injuries that include pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of earnings capacity, and aggravation of any pre-existing conditions.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 plus costs and has demanded a jury trial. The case underscores significant issues related to premises liability and the responsibilities businesses have towards ensuring the safety of their guests.
Representing David Forance is Joseph Stallone from Goldman & Daszkal P.A., while details regarding defense counsel for Retreat Behavioral Health are yet unknown. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA006565XXXAMB Div: AF.