A recent lawsuit filed in Pinellas County, Florida, highlights the dangers of poorly maintained properties and the serious consequences that can result. On February 10, 2025, Louise Ancona filed a complaint against Town Shores of Gulfport No. 205, Inc., a condominium corporation, alleging negligence after she suffered significant injuries on their premises.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on July 16, 2024, when Ancona visited the defendant's property as a business invitee or guest. According to the complaint, Town Shores of Gulfport was responsible for maintaining the safety of its premises at 5960 30th Ave S., Gulfport, Florida. However, Ancona claims that they failed in this duty by not keeping the exterior stairway safe and adequately lit. The plaintiff argues that these oversights led to her slipping and falling on a liquid substance due to inadequate lighting and non-slip surfaces on the stairway.
Ancona's lawsuit accuses Town Shores of Gulfport of breaching their duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment and failing to warn her about potential hazards. The complaint details several alleged failures by the defendant: not maintaining or properly installing non-slip additives in walkway surfaces, neglecting Florida Building Code standards, and insufficient lighting on the exterior stairway. These conditions reportedly created an unreasonably dangerous situation for anyone using the premises.
As a result of these alleged negligent actions by Town Shores of Gulfport, Ancona suffered severe personal injuries. The complaint outlines her injuries as including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement with permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses for hospitalization and treatment, lost earnings capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Ancona asserts that these damages are either permanent or ongoing and will continue to affect her future.
In seeking justice through this legal action, Ancona demands compensation exceeding $50,000 for damages incurred from her injuries. She also requests interest and costs associated with bringing forth this lawsuit while demanding a jury trial to resolve all triable issues.
Representing Louise Ancona is attorney Gabriel Silveira from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., known for advocating for individuals' rights against corporations. This case has been assigned Case Number 25-000605-CI under Judge Ken Burke's jurisdiction within Pinellas County Circuit Court.