A tragic accident has led to a lawsuit against a county board, with grieving parents seeking justice for their deceased son. On December 2, 2024, Lindsay and Christopher Weiser filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. The complaint alleges negligence that resulted in the death of their minor son, Ethan Lawrence Weiser.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on August 26, 2022. On that day, Ethan Weiser and his sister were heading to their school bus stop on Bellair Road in Clearwater when tragedy struck. As Ethan attempted to cross the street in the early morning darkness, he was fatally struck by a motor vehicle. The plaintiffs argue that this devastating event was preventable and attribute it to negligence on the part of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners.
According to the complaint, the defendant failed to maintain adequate safety measures at the bus stop location. Specifically, they are accused of not installing a lighted crosswalk or proper lighting that would have made pedestrians like Ethan more visible to motorists during nighttime hours. The absence of these safety features is cited as a direct cause of Ethan's untimely death.
Ethan is survived by his parents and five siblings—Isaac, Emma, Lucy, Nessa, and Olivia—all under 25 years old at the time of his passing. The plaintiffs claim significant damages resulting from this loss, including medical and funeral expenses, future loss of support and services from Ethan, as well as mental anguish experienced by his parents due to their son's death.
In compliance with legal procedures, Lindsay and Christopher Weiser served a Notice of Tort Claim to both the defendant and the Department of Financial Affairs on August 26, 2024. They are now seeking judgment against the Pinellas County School Board for damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs. Additionally, they demand compensation for attorney’s fees incurred while pursuing this action.
Representing Lindsay and Christopher Weiser is T. Patton Youngblood Jr., Esq., from Youngblood Law Firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number: 24-005256-CI within the jurisdiction overseen by Ken Burke as Clerk of Circuit Court for Pinellas County.