In a compelling legal battle that underscores the responsibilities of property management, Eileen M. Smith has filed a lawsuit against FJM Realty LLC, IHOP Restaurants LLC, and Snyder Property Management LLC. The complaint was lodged in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on January 15, 2025. Smith's lawsuit accuses these entities of negligence that led to her suffering injuries on their premises.
Eileen M. Smith's legal action centers around an incident that occurred on April 1, 2023, at the IHOP located at 4199 34th Street South in St. Petersburg, Florida. According to the complaint, Smith was an invitee at this location when she encountered a hazardous condition due to negligent maintenance of ingress and egress areas by the defendants. The complaint alleges that all three defendants—FJM Realty LLC, IHOP Restaurants LLC, and Snyder Property Management LLC—failed to ensure safe conditions on their property. "Defendants created a foreseeable zone of risk by negligently allowing a dangerous egress and ingress," states the complaint.
Smith claims that IHOP Restaurants LLC breached its duty of care by failing to maintain safe entryways and exits and neglecting to warn her about potential dangers despite knowing or having reason to know about them. As a result of this alleged negligence, Smith suffered significant injuries including bodily harm, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life among other damages. She is seeking compensation for these injuries as well as medical expenses incurred due to hospitalization and treatment.
The lawsuit also targets FJM Realty LLC for not only allowing unsafe conditions but also failing in its duty to oversee Snyder Property Management LLC’s handling of property management tasks effectively. This includes ensuring proper inspection and maintenance practices were followed on-site. Similarly accused is Snyder Property Management LLC which allegedly did not fulfill its obligation as the property's manager to keep it reasonably safe for visitors like Smith.
Smith's demands from the court include judgment against each defendant for damages exceeding $50,001 along with costs and prejudgment interest related to her claims against them individually: IHOP Restaurants LLC (Count I), FJM Realty LLC (Count II), and Snyder Property Management LLC (Count III). She has requested a jury trial for all triable issues.
Representing Eileen M. Smith is attorney Daniella Rivera from Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner law firm based in St. Petersburg; no specific defense attorneys are mentioned within this document nor is there mention of judges presiding over Case Number: 25-000174-CI.