A musician is suing a golf club and a lighting company after suffering significant injuries from a stage collapse during a performance. James Martignetti filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on August 15, 2024, against McArthur Golf Club, L.L.C., and Frost Lighting Co. of Florida, Inc.
According to the court documents, Martignetti, who is the lead singer and guitarist for the Jimmy Buffett cover band "Jimmy Stowe and the Stowaways," was invited by McArthur Golf Club to perform at their country club premises on November 3, 2023. The agreement was that Martignetti and his band would perform on a covered patio adjacent to the clubhouse. However, upon arrival, they discovered that McArthur Golf Club had instructed Frost Lighting to erect a temporary stage near the 18th hole of the golf course instead.
Martignetti claims that this alternative location was not only unexpected but also unsafe due to its proximity to an undulated surface near the green. As he and his band were setting up their equipment on this temporary stage, it suddenly collapsed without warning. This incident resulted in significant bodily injury for Martignetti.
The lawsuit accuses McArthur Golf Club of negligence for failing to provide a safe performance area as initially promised. The complaint details how McArthur Golf's decision to use an uneven grassy area instead of the covered patio created hazardous conditions. Furthermore, it alleges that McArthur Golf had actual or constructive knowledge of these dangers but failed to take appropriate action to mitigate them.
Similarly, Frost Lighting is accused of negligence for not ensuring that the temporary stage was erected safely. The complaint states that Frost Lighting had a contractual duty to construct a secure stage but failed in multiple ways: by choosing an unsuitable location without recommending alternatives and by not adequately training its employees in proper installation methods.
As a result of these alleged negligent actions by both defendants, Martignetti suffered extensive injuries leading to pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings, and aggravated pre-existing conditions. These damages are described as either permanent or continuing in nature.
Martignetti seeks judgment for damages exceeding $50,001 against both defendants along with costs and post-judgment interest. He also demands trial by jury for both counts of negligence—one against McArthur Golf Club and another against Frost Lighting Co.
Representing Martignetti is attorney Timothy D. Kenison from Goldlaw firm based in West Palm Beach. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA007711XXXAMB Div: Al.