Jeanine Metts has filed a lawsuit against the City of Safety Harbor, alleging negligence after suffering injuries from a fall caused by an uneven curb. The complaint was lodged in the Circuit Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on October 29, 2024. The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from the defendant.
According to the complaint, Jeanine Metts was walking to a Seafood Festival in Safety Harbor on February 26, 2023, when she tripped over a five-inch lip of a curb on Veteran’s Memorial Lane. This incident led to significant injuries for Metts. The plaintiff asserts that the City of Safety Harbor constructed and maintained this curb and failed in its duty to ensure safe conditions for pedestrians. Metts claims that proper notice was sent to both the City of Safety Harbor and the Florida Department of Financial Services on October 9, 2023, as required by Florida Statutes §768.28.
The lawsuit accuses the City of Safety Harbor of several breaches of duty. These include failing to construct and maintain level curbs and adjoining grass areas, neglecting to warn pedestrians about potential hazards due to uneven surfaces, and not ensuring safe access routes during events like the festival. "Defendant had a duty to use reasonable care in maintaining safe premises free from dangers," states the complaint. Furthermore, it alleges that these failures resulted directly in Metts's injuries, which include pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and ongoing medical expenses.
Metts seeks actual and compensatory damages for her injuries along with trial costs. She demands a jury trial for all issues deemed triable by jury law. Her legal representation is provided by Ralph M. Guito III from McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi & Guito P.A., based in Tampa.
The case is being handled under Case Number: 24-004740-CI with Judge Ken Burke overseeing proceedings at Pinellas County Circuit Court.