In a striking legal move, a Florida resident has taken action against a well-known local business following an incident that left him injured. George Francis Alford filed a complaint on March 7, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against St. Petersburg Kennel Club Inc., doing business as Derby Lane. The case centers around an alleged negligence that resulted in Alford suffering significant injuries.
According to the complaint, Alford was visiting Derby Lane on March 27, 2023, when he experienced a severe accident. After placing his bet at the greyhound racing track located at 10490 Gandy Blvd., N. St. Petersburg, Florida, Alford sat on a metal chair in the common seating area. Without warning, the chair broke under him, causing him to fall and hit his head. This incident is at the heart of Alford's claim against Derby Lane.
Alford accuses Derby Lane of failing to maintain safe conditions for its patrons. The complaint outlines several specific allegations of negligence: inadequate maintenance and safety measures for patrons; insufficient employee training in property maintenance and safety; failure to inspect and maintain common areas properly; neglecting to warn patrons about potential dangers such as defective chairs; and not posting warning signs or repairing dangerous conditions promptly. These failures allegedly led directly to Alford's injuries.
The consequences of this alleged negligence have been severe for Alford. He claims to have suffered bodily injury resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. The complaint suggests these damages are either permanent or ongoing and will continue to affect him in the future.
Alford seeks a jury trial and judgment against St. Petersburg Kennel Club Inc., demanding compensation exceeding $50,000 for damages incurred due to their alleged negligence. Additionally, he requests attorney’s fees and costs associated with the lawsuit as well as any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing George Francis Alford is Terence A. Perenich from Perenich Law PL based in Clearwater, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 25-001110-CI under Judge Ken Burke's jurisdiction.