PHELPS HOPE has filed a lawsuit against a major hotel chain, alleging negligence that led to significant personal injuries. The complaint was filed by Phelps Hope in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on January 10, 2025, targeting Hyatt Corporation and an unnamed hotel manager.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on June 6, 2023, when Phelps Hope was staying at the Hyatt Clearwater Resort in Florida. According to the complaint, Hope slipped on a liquid substance believed to be vomit near the entrance of a restroom by the Shor restaurant within the resort. The plaintiff claims that despite being aware of this hazardous condition, neither Hyatt Corporation nor the unknown hotel manager took appropriate measures to warn guests or clean up the hazard promptly. "Upon reporting this fall to staff members of Hyatt," Hope's complaint states, "they acknowledged that they knew about the presence of vomit and had asked employees of the resort to clean up this vomit." This alleged negligence forms the basis for Hope's claim against both defendants.
Hope's legal team argues that Hyatt Corporation breached its duty to maintain safe premises and failed to warn guests about potential dangers. They assert that Hyatt had actual or constructive knowledge of the slipping hazard but neglected their responsibility under Florida law. The complaint details several alleged failures by Hyatt Corporation, including inadequate maintenance and inspection practices, insufficient employee training regarding safety protocols, and failure to enforce corporate policies designed to prevent such hazards.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, and other related losses due to what they describe as permanent or continuing injuries resulting from the fall. In addition to financial compensation, Hope demands a jury trial for all issues triable by jury.
Representing Phelps Hope is attorney Blake R. Carl from Morgan & Morgan P.A., based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 25-000108-CI in front of Judge Ken Burke at Pinellas County Circuit Court.