A shocking incident at a popular hotel gym has led to a legal battle, highlighting potential negligence in maintaining guest safety. On December 19, 2024, Chad Vanunnik filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Highgate Hotels LP, doing business as Residence Inn by Marriott.
According to the lawsuit, Vanunnik alleges that on April 29, 2024, he was injured while using an elastic workout band at the hotel's gym located at 2461 Metrocentre Blvd, West Palm Beach. The band was placed on a medicine ball rack which collapsed onto his face when he attempted to use it. As a business invitee and member of the general public on the premises for the benefit of Highgate Hotels LP, Vanunnik claims he suffered significant injuries due to this incident.
The complaint accuses Highgate Hotels LP of multiple counts of negligence. It asserts that the hotel failed to maintain its premises in a reasonably safe condition and did not properly install or secure the medicine ball rack. Furthermore, it alleges that the hotel neglected to correct or warn about this dangerous condition despite having actual or constructive knowledge of its existence. The suit highlights that such conditions occurred regularly and were therefore foreseeable by the hotel's management.
Vanunnik's complaint seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for bodily injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings and earning capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. He demands judgment against Highgate Hotels LP for these damages along with costs and post-judgment interest. A trial by jury is also requested.
Representing Chad Vanunnik is attorney William P.B. Sepulveda from Lytal Reiter Smith Ivey & Fronrath law firm based in West Palm Beach. The case is filed under Case Number: 502024CA011983XXXAMB.