In a dramatic legal showdown, a resident of Pinellas County is taking on a local government entity over allegations of negligence that led to significant personal injury. On March 19, 2025, Donna O'Reilly filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against the City of Largo. The lawsuit claims that the city failed to maintain safe conditions on its sidewalks, leading to an accident that left O'Reilly with severe injuries.
According to the complaint filed by O'Reilly's attorney, C. Garrett Gaa from Dismuke Law, the incident occurred on December 21, 2023. The plaintiff was walking near Largo Central Park when she tripped over a broken barrier lying on the sidewalk close to the Performing Arts Center. The lawsuit asserts that this dangerous condition resulted from the city's negligence in maintaining and inspecting its walkways. O'Reilly accuses the City of Largo of failing to provide adequate warnings about the hazardous condition and not taking necessary corrective actions despite being aware or should have been aware of the potential danger.
The plaintiff contends that as a result of this negligence, she suffered bodily harm and enduring pain and suffering. Her injuries include disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses for hospitalization and treatment, loss of earnings and earning capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. These damages are described as either permanent or ongoing with future implications for her quality of life.
O'Reilly is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and interests but emphasizes that this figure is merely jurisdictional for filing purposes; actual compensation will be determined by a jury trial. The relief sought includes judgment against the City of Largo for all incurred losses alongside any other remedies deemed appropriate by the court.
The case has drawn attention due to its implications for public safety responsibilities held by municipal bodies. It highlights concerns over infrastructure maintenance and accountability within community spaces like parks which are frequented by residents expecting safe passage.
Representing Donna O'Reilly is attorney C. Garrett Gaa from Dismuke Law located in Lakeland, Florida. The case identification number remains unspecified at this stage but falls under general civil litigation within Florida's judicial system framework.