A resident of Palm Beach County has filed a lawsuit against a property management company, alleging negligence that led to serious injuries. The complaint was filed by Ina Merritt in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, on September 7, 2024, against FirstService Residential Florida, Inc., among other entities.
According to the court documents, Ina Merritt claims that on September 8, 2020, she was lawfully present at a property located at Mansfield H in Boca Raton, Florida. This property is owned and managed by FirstService Residential Florida, Inc., formerly known as FirstService Residential Boca, Inc., Atlantic & Pacific Association Management, Inc., and AP Management LLC. Merritt alleges that while exercising due care for her safety, she encountered a dangerous condition—a liquid substance on the ground—that caused her to slip and fall.
The complaint details how Merritt believes the defendants were negligent in their duty to maintain the premises safely. Specifically, it accuses them of failing to establish or follow proper inspection procedures for identifying and remedying hazardous conditions. "The Defendant negligently failed to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition," states the complaint. It further accuses the defendants of failing to warn visitors about the dangerous condition despite knowing or having reason to know about it through reasonable inspections or prior similar incidents.
As a result of this alleged negligence, Merritt claims she suffered severe injuries including damage to her left hip, left leg, back, body, and limbs. These injuries have reportedly caused her significant pain and suffering and have impacted her ability to enjoy life. "The Plaintiff has in the past undergone and will in the future undergo painful and extensive medical care," reads another section of the complaint. Furthermore, Merritt asserts that these injuries are permanent and have resulted in both past and future loss of earnings and earning capacity.
Merritt is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant named in the lawsuit—FirstService Residential Florida Inc., FirstService Residential Boca Inc., Atlantic & Pacific Association Management Inc., and AP Management LLC. She demands compensation for medical expenses incurred due to her injuries as well as compensation for ongoing medical treatment required in the future.
Representing Ina Merritt is Anthony H. Quackenbush from The Quackenbush Law Firm based in Fort Lauderdale. The Case Number is 502024CA00851.