In a gripping legal confrontation, a Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against a local car dealership for negligence, claiming severe injuries from an unsafe condition on the premises. Suzanne Earle lodged her complaint in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, Florida, on January 27, 2025, accusing Ferman Sunshine Motors, Inc., doing business as Ferman Mini of Tampa Bay, of failing to maintain safe conditions at their dealership.
The case stems from an incident on January 21, 2024, when Earle visited the Ferman Mini dealership located on U.S. Highway 19 North in Palm Harbor. According to the complaint, Earle tripped over a raised electrical box while entering the dealership, resulting in severe and permanent injuries. The lawsuit alleges that this electrical box was situated in a high-traffic area where customers were expected to walk and thus posed a dangerous condition that should have been addressed by the dealership.
Earle's complaint outlines several breaches of duty by Ferman Sunshine Motors. She accuses the company of failing to adequately warn her of the hazardous condition and neglecting to maintain or inspect the area properly. The suit also claims that no warning signs or cones were posted to alert customers of potential danger and criticizes the dealership for not having adequate maintenance procedures in place to rectify such hazards before they could cause harm.
As a business invitee on the premises, Earle argues that she was owed a duty of care by Ferman Sunshine Motors to ensure her safety while visiting their property. Her injuries are described as affecting her head, neck, body, back, and limbs and exacerbating pre-existing conditions. As a result of these injuries, Earle asserts she has endured significant mental and physical pain and suffering and faces an ongoing inability to lead a normal life. Additionally, she claims financial losses due to past and future medical expenses required for treating her injuries and diminished earning capacity.
In seeking justice through this lawsuit, Suzanne Earle demands judgment against Ferman Sunshine Motors for all damages she is entitled to under law. This includes compensation for her injuries along with covering legal costs associated with bringing this action forward. Furthermore, she requests prejudgment interest on any liquidated damages awarded by the court.
Representing Suzanne Earle in this case are attorneys Tony Griffith and Ryan Bresler from Tanney, Griffith & Bresler P.A., based in Clearwater, Florida. The case is being presided over under Case Number 25-000358-CI at the Circuit Court for Pinellas County.