In a compelling legal battle, a Florida resident is taking on a major health system over an alleged slip-and-fall incident that left her with significant injuries. Gerdeen Blades filed a complaint against The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on March 5, 2025. The lawsuit centers around an incident that occurred at the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg.
According to the complaint, Gerdeen Blades was visiting the hospital premises on September 22, 2023, when she slipped and fell due to a slippery ramp in the walkway. This fall resulted in severe injuries for Blades, which she attributes to negligence on the part of The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation. The plaintiff asserts that the corporation had both actual and constructive knowledge of this hazardous condition but failed to address it or warn visitors adequately. "The Defendant created the hazardous condition and caused it to exist," states the complaint, highlighting their failure to maintain safe conditions on their property.
Blades accuses The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation of breaching its duty of care by not ensuring safe premises for lawful visitors like herself. She alleges that this breach directly led to her injuries, which include bodily harm, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are described as permanent and ongoing in nature.
The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $50,000 from The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation for her medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and other related losses resulting from this incident. She demands a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Gerdeen Blades is Joseph R. North Sr., Esquire from The North Law Firm based in Fort Myers, Florida. The case is presided over by Judge Ken Burke under Case Number 25-001055-CI.