A pedestrian's unfortunate encounter with a poorly maintained sidewalk has led to a significant legal battle against a state department. On September 16, 2024, Lauren Jones filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, accusing the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) of negligence.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on October 24, 2023, when Jones was walking along Edgewater Drive in Dunedin, Pinellas County. According to the complaint, she tripped and fell due to an uneven section of the sidewalk that had been neglected by FDOT. The plaintiff claims that FDOT failed in its duty to maintain safe conditions for pedestrians. "Defendant breached the duty owed to Plaintiff by negligently failing to maintain or adequately maintain the sidewalk," reads the complaint.
Jones asserts that FDOT was responsible for inspecting and repairing sidewalks and roads in the area where her accident occurred. She alleges that FDOT's negligence led directly to her injuries, which include physical harm, medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent injury, loss of enjoyment of life, and lost wages. "As a direct and proximate cause of Defendant's negligence... Plaintiff sustained injuries and damages," states the document.
The complaint outlines several specific failures on FDOT's part: not maintaining or adequately maintaining the sidewalk; not inspecting or adequately inspecting it; not warning pedestrians about its dangerous condition; and not correcting or adequately correcting these hazards. Jones argues that these failures are violations under Florida law.
In terms of relief sought, Jones is demanding judgment against FDOT for an amount exceeding $50,000. She also requests a jury trial for all issues triable by right. This substantial sum reflects her claims for ongoing medical expenses and other damages related to her injuries.
Representing Lauren Jones is attorney Lauren M. Pcholinski from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., while details regarding defense counsel were not provided in the filing. The case will be heard under Case Number 24-004136-CI by judges assigned within the Sixth Judicial Circuit.