A shocking case of alleged negligence has surfaced in Pinellas County, Florida, where an elderly woman claims her life was upended due to a botched roofing job. On August 26, 2024, Janet K. Kleinhans and her son Donald Kleinhans filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit against American Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., and Dolphin Pointe of Dunedin Condominium Association, Inc.
The plaintiffs, represented by attorney Luke Lirot, allege that on April 16, 2024, American Roofing & Sheet Metal's negligence during a roof repair at Dolphin Pointe condominium complex led to significant damage to a water pipe. This incident caused extensive flooding in Janet's condo unit at 464 Paula Drive North, Dunedin. Janet, an 86-year-old resident of the unit filled with cherished possessions and memorabilia accumulated over her lifetime, found her home and belongings destroyed.
According to the complaint, "Due to this act of blatant negligence by AMERICAN ROOFING, JANET’S life was turned upside down instantly as all of her treasured possessions... have been completely destroyed." The plaintiffs claim that neither American Roofing nor Dolphin Pointe took meaningful steps to address the damage or compensate for the loss. The initial cleanup efforts by Servpro cost $5,612.93 out-of-pocket for the plaintiffs.
The lawsuit further details how Janet had to vacate her unlivable residence and find alternative housing at an additional cost of $10,400.00. Future repairs are estimated to cost at least $16,785.97. The emotional toll on Janet is also highlighted: "Plaintiff... has suffered emotional distress due to the broken water pipe and the damages that resulted," exacerbated by what they describe as a lack of responsiveness from both defendants.
The plaintiffs seek various forms of relief from the court: compensation for all actual, special, and consequential damages related to property damage and emotional distress; reimbursement for attorney’s fees; and reserve the right to amend their complaint for punitive damages based on evidence showing intentional misconduct by the defendants.
Representing Janet and Donald Kleinhans is Luke Lirot from Luke Charles Lirot P.A., while no information about defense attorneys is provided in the document. The case is being presided over under Case Number 24-003836-CI in Pinellas County Circuit Court.