Alice T. Shumate has filed a lawsuit against Palm Beach County, claiming negligence after suffering injuries from a slip and fall at the Palm Beach International Airport. The complaint was filed on December 30, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida. Shumate alleges that Palm Beach County failed to maintain safe conditions at the airport's Delta Terminal drop-off zone.
According to the lawsuit, on September 25, 2023, Alice T. Shumate arrived at the Delta Terminal drop-off zone at approximately 5:05 a.m. As she exited her vehicle and took a few steps towards the back of it, she slipped and fell on a wet painted concrete surface. The plaintiff asserts that Palm Beach County had a duty to ensure the safety of this area and to warn individuals about potential hazards. "The Defendant had a non-delegable duty to maintain the subject area in a reasonably safe condition," states the complaint.
Shumate claims that this incident is not isolated, suggesting previous occurrences where individuals have slipped on similar surfaces at the airport. She accuses Palm Beach County of failing to properly inspect and maintain these areas, neglecting their responsibility to address known dangers or provide adequate warnings. The complaint highlights several alleged breaches by Palm Beach County including failure to maintain safe conditions, failure to warn about dangerous conditions, and failure to implement proper inspection procedures.
As a result of her fall, Shumate sustained permanent bodily injuries leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and other damages. She seeks compensation for these injuries as well as coverage for medical expenses incurred due to the incident. The plaintiff demands judgment for damages exceeding $50,000 along with any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Alice T. Shumate is attorney Michael A. Motto from Hicks & Motto P.A., while James H. Hicks serves as counsel. The case ID is: 502024CA012287XXXAMB.