In a gripping legal battle, a Florida resident has taken action against a well-known beach resort following an alleged slip-and-fall incident that left her with significant injuries. Veronica Makowski filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on December 2, 2024, targeting Shephard’s Beach Resort, Inc. as the defendant.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on September 9, 2022, at the Wave Nightclub located within Shephard's Beach Resort in Clearwater Beach. According to Makowski's allegations, she was lawfully present on the premises as a business invitee when she slipped and fell due to hazardous conditions on the floor. The complaint outlines several accusations against Shephard’s Beach Resort for negligence in maintaining safe conditions for its patrons. Makowski claims that the resort failed to maintain or adequately inspect the flooring, creating an unreasonably dangerous environment for guests.
The plaintiff asserts that Shephard’s had a non-delegable duty to ensure their premises were safe and free from hazards. The complaint highlights multiple breaches of this duty by Shephard’s Beach Resort, including failing to warn of known dangers and not correcting or inspecting potentially hazardous conditions. Makowski accuses the resort of neglecting to train staff properly and not adhering to their own safety policies. Furthermore, she alleges that inadequate staffing contributed to the unsafe conditions that led to her fall.
As a result of these alleged failures by Shephard’s Beach Resort, Makowski suffered severe injuries impacting her body and extremities. The complaint details various damages incurred by Makowski due to her fall: pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and loss of earnings. These injuries are described as either permanent or continuing into the future.
Makowski is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 plus interest and costs from Shephard’s Beach Resort. Her legal representation demands a jury trial to resolve all issues related to this case.
Representing Veronica Makowski is attorney Catalina M. Rodriguez from Farah & Farah P.A., based in Orlando. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-005254-CI in Pinellas County's Circuit Court under Judge Ken Burke.