A Florida woman has taken legal action against a property management company, alleging negligence after a fall at a shopping center left her with serious injuries. Rebecca Cohen filed the complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on December 27, 2024, naming Jamestown Properties, LLC as the defendant.
The lawsuit centers around an incident that occurred on March 31, 2023, when Cohen visited The Polo Club Shops in Boca Raton. According to the complaint, Cohen was leaving one of the plaza's restaurants when she tripped over an improperly painted and elevated curb in the parking lot. The curb allegedly shared the same paint color as the parking lot surface and exceeded industry-standard height deviations, which Cohen claims made it difficult to see and avoid. As a result of this fall, Cohen sustained what are described as "serious and permanent injuries."
Cohen's legal team argues that Jamestown Properties failed to maintain safe premises for business invitees like her. The complaint lists numerous allegations of negligence against Jamestown Properties. These include failing to properly maintain and inspect the parking lot area, not painting curbs in contrasting colors for visibility, allowing deviations in curb height beyond standard regulations, inadequate lighting that could have highlighted potential hazards, and neglecting to place proper signage for pedestrian safety.
Moreover, Cohen accuses Jamestown Properties of violating several codes and standards including Life Safety Code and Florida Building Codes. She further alleges that there were prior complaints about similar conditions which were ignored by the defendant. "Defendant knew or should have known of these risks," states Cohen's complaint.
Rebecca Cohen is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from Jamestown Properties for her injuries. She demands compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses incurred due to hospitalization and treatment following her fall, loss of earnings due to her inability to work post-accident, and other related costs. Additionally, she requests that any other relief deemed appropriate by the court be granted.
Representing Rebecca Cohen is Maaz Quraishi from the Law Office of Maaz Quraishi P.A., with Stephen Crawford also listed as counsel on record. The case has been assigned Case Number 502024CA012210XXXAMB.