Arnold Ramirez Mejia, representing the estate of Moises De Jesus Ramirez Mejia, has filed a lawsuit against Duke Energy Corporation, Rental Depot 2, Inc., and Claudia Martinez-Cherres. The complaint was filed on October 28, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida. This legal action seeks damages exceeding $50,000 due to the tragic death of Moises De Jesus Ramirez Mejia.
The case stems from an incident on or around October 23, 2023, when Moises De Jesus Ramirez Mejia was electrocuted while trimming trees at Claudia Martinez-Cherres's residence in Gulfport, Florida. The plaintiff alleges that Duke Energy Corporation negligently maintained utility poles and power lines near the property. According to the complaint, Duke Energy failed to properly insulate and ground its equipment, creating a hazardous environment that led to Ramirez Mejia's death. "Defendant DUKE ENERGY created a foreseeable zone of risk by transporting high voltage electrical current through areas where it could cause great harm," states the lawsuit.
In addition to Duke Energy's alleged negligence, Rental Depot 2 is accused of providing faulty equipment for tree trimming activities. The complaint asserts that Rental Depot did not adequately warn Ramirez Mejia about the dangers associated with using their equipment near power lines. Furthermore, Claudia Martinez-Cherres is charged with failing to maintain her property safely and not warning about potential hazards related to nearby power lines.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act. On behalf of the estate and Ramirez Mejia's minor children—Farez David Ramirez Mejia, Amner Daniel Ramirez Cruz, and Moises Gael Rameriz Lorenzo—the lawsuit demands compensation for loss of earnings, funeral expenses, medical costs, and future loss of support. Additionally, claims are made for lost parental companionship and mental anguish suffered by his children.
Representing Arnold Ramirez Mejia is attorney Adam Shapiro from Shapiro Delgado law firm based in Sarasota. The case is presided over by an acting circuit judge as per court documents filed under Case Number: 24-004710-CI.