A Palm Beach County resident has filed a lawsuit against a Florida corporation, alleging negligence that led to a serious injury. The complaint was filed by Jevunte Allen Jean Stephens in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, on August 20, 2024, naming Petrolake Inc. as the defendant.
According to the court documents, Stephens claims that on September 11, 2023, he visited a property owned and operated by Petrolake Inc., located at or near 5960 S Military Trail in Palm Beach County. As a business invitee on the premises, Stephens alleges he slipped and fell on a puddle of gas due to the negligent maintenance of the property by Petrolake Inc. This incident forms the basis of his negligence claim against the company.
The plaintiff accuses Petrolake Inc. of several specific acts of negligence. These include failing to maintain the grounds in a reasonably safe condition, not correcting known dangerous conditions, and neglecting to warn patrons about hazards present on the premises. Stephens asserts that these failures directly resulted in his injuries which include bodily harm, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and loss of earnings both past and future.
In his complaint, Stephens details how Petrolake Inc.'s actions—or lack thereof—constituted negligence. He states that "Defendant created a dangerous condition," referring specifically to the puddle of gas that caused his fall. He further claims that this hazardous condition occurred with such regularity that Petrolake Inc. "knew or should have known" about its existence and failed to take appropriate measures to address it.
Stephens is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 but is uncertain if they will surpass $75,000. He demands judgment for damages against Petrolake Inc., along with costs associated with bringing the action and any other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court. Additionally, he requests a trial by jury for all issues so triable as a matter of right.
Representing Jevunte Allen Jean Stephens is Tara Roberts from Wolfson & Leon law firm based in Miami. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA007873XXXAMB Div: AD.