Cecilia Sandy has filed a lawsuit against John Hopkins Middle School, alleging negligence after she suffered significant injuries from a fall on the school's premises. The complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on February 10, 2025. Sandy claims that her fall was due to improperly maintained pavers and courtyard flooring at the school.
According to the details outlined in the complaint, Cecilia Sandy was lawfully present at John Hopkins Middle School on September 29, 2023, when she tripped and fell because of hazardous conditions created by poorly maintained pavers. As an invitee on the premises, Sandy asserts that John Hopkins Middle School had a non-delegable duty to ensure the safety of its grounds. She alleges that the school failed to maintain or adequately inspect and repair these areas, thus breaching their duty of care.
The lawsuit highlights several specific allegations against John Hopkins Middle School. It accuses them of negligently failing to maintain safe conditions, failing to warn about known dangers, and not having adequate policies or staff in place to prevent such incidents. The complaint also mentions previous falls at the location due to similar conditions, suggesting a pattern of negligence by the school. Sandy's legal team argues that these failures directly led to her injuries which include bodily harm, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and financial losses related to medical expenses and lost earnings.
Sandy is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her injuries and losses. Her legal representation is demanding a jury trial to determine fair compensation for her suffering and financial burdens resulting from this incident. The plaintiff’s attorney has also emphasized the need for preserving any video evidence from surveillance cameras at John Hopkins Middle School as it is considered material evidence crucial for supporting Sandy's claims.
Representing Cecilia Sandy is Catalina M. Rodriguez from Farah & Farah P.A., based in Orlando. The case has been assigned Case Number 25-000623-CI in Pinellas County's Circuit Court with Judge Ken Burke overseeing proceedings.