A Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against a local car dealership, claiming negligence led to severe injuries. Kyle Kneeland lodged the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 27, 2024, targeting Fitzgerald Motors, Inc., which operates as Fitzgerald Countryside Chrysler Jeep.
According to the complaint, Kneeland was injured on March 31, 2023, when he tripped over a deteriorated and uneven parking lot at the dealership's premises located at 28253 US Hwy 19 N in Clearwater. The plaintiff alleges that Fitzgerald Motors failed to maintain its property in a safe condition and neglected to warn visitors of known hazards. Kneeland claims that this negligence resulted in permanent injuries and significant suffering.
The lawsuit outlines several accusations against Fitzgerald Motors. It asserts that the company had both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition of their parking lot but did not take appropriate measures to rectify it or inform patrons about it. The complaint states: "Defendant breached its non-delegable duty owed to Plaintiff by negligently failing to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition." Kneeland argues that due to this breach of duty, he sustained injuries leading to pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and ongoing medical expenses.
Kneeland is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from Fitzgerald Motors for his injuries. He requests compensation for bodily harm, mental anguish, disability or physical impairment, disfigurement, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, he seeks recovery for lost wages and future medical costs associated with his injuries. The case underscores allegations that the dealership's negligence either aggravated existing conditions or activated latent ones within Kneeland.
Representing Kyle Kneeland is attorney Sarah K. Hibbard from Morgan & Morgan in Tampa. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-005229-CI under Judge Ken Burke's jurisdiction.