A local resident has filed a lawsuit against a property management company and its associates, alleging negligence that led to severe personal injuries. Joseph Peterson filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on August 12, 2024, naming Bedrock Ocean Tide LLC, Bedrock Communities Property Management LLC, Chris Fuschino, and James Schea as defendants.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on September 25, 2023. According to the complaint, Peterson was a tenant at Bedrock Ocean Tide community located at 3101 Broadway, Riviera Beach. On that day, he fell down an exterior stairway that had been recently modified by James Schea at the behest of landlord Chris Fuschino. The modifications allegedly made the steps non-uniform and difficult to perceive due to a lack of contrast and absence of proper handrails. Peterson claims these unsafe conditions caused him to fall and sustain significant injuries.
Peterson's complaint outlines several counts of negligence against each defendant. He asserts that both Bedrock Ocean Tide LLC and Bedrock Communities Property Management LLC failed in their duty to maintain the property safely according to building codes and standards. Specifically, they are accused of improperly installing a stairway that lacked necessary safety features like handrails and uniform steps. This alleged negligence resulted in Peterson suffering "bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, impairment, permanent injury, disfigurement," among other damages.
In addition to holding the companies accountable, Peterson also targets individuals involved directly with the property’s maintenance. He claims that landlord Chris Fuschino and maintenance worker James Schea were responsible for ensuring the property's safety but failed to do so. According to Peterson's account, this failure led directly to his accident and subsequent injuries.
Peterson is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant for medical expenses, loss of earnings, mental anguish, and other related costs. The plaintiff demands a jury trial for all issues so triable.
Representing Joseph Peterson is Stuart E. Goldenberg from Lichtblau & Goldenberg P.A., while the case will be heard under Case Number: 502024CA007607XXXAMB Div: AH in front of judges yet to be named.