Joseph Dorman, an 85-year-old disabled individual, has filed a lawsuit against Discount Tire Co. in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on January 8, 2025. The complaint alleges negligence on the part of Discount Tire Co., resulting in severe injuries to Dorman during a visit to their temporary business location.
The incident that led to this legal action occurred on September 20, 2024. Joseph Dorman visited Discount Tire Co.'s temporary setup at a strip mall parking lot in Wellington, Florida, intending to purchase new tires for his vehicle. Due to ongoing renovations at their permanent storefront, Discount Tire was operating out of a portable structure leased from Mobile Mini Storage Solutions. According to the complaint, this portable structure posed significant safety hazards as its entrance was raised several inches above ground level without any warning signs or indicators highlighting the uneven surface.
Dorman's legal representation argues that the portable structure was not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), despite being accessible to the public and business invitees like Dorman. The plaintiff claims that Mobile Mini Storage Solutions offered ramps that could have made the structure ADA-compliant; however, Discount Tire allegedly declined these options and assumed the risk associated with maintaining an unsafe environment.
The complaint accuses Discount Tire of breaching its duty of care by failing to ensure a safe environment for its patrons and neglecting to provide warnings about the hazardous entryway conditions. As a result of this alleged negligence, Dorman tripped over the uneven surface upon entering the portable structure and suffered a broken hip. This injury necessitated surgical intervention and long-term care.
Dorman asserts that his injuries are permanent and have led to ongoing medical expenses, reduced mobility, diminished enjoyment of life, and continuous pain and suffering. He seeks compensation exceeding $75,000 for damages incurred due to medical bills and other related costs. Additionally, he requests possible attorney's fees and costs should they be applicable.
Represented by Comras & Comras P.A., specifically attorney David A. Comras from Fort Lauderdale, Joseph Dorman is pursuing this case under Case Number 502025CA000157XXXAMB.