Vicki White-Miltun has filed a compelling lawsuit against the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, alleging negligence that led to the tragic death of her mother, Karen White. The complaint was filed on March 27, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida. The lawsuit accuses the county board of failing to maintain proper traffic signage, which allegedly resulted in a fatal accident involving Karen White.
According to the details outlined in the complaint, Vicki White-Miltun is acting as the personal representative of her deceased mother's estate. The case stems from an incident that occurred on April 11, 2024, when Karen White was struck by a vehicle while walking near Westport Colony Apartments in St. Petersburg, Florida. The driver of the vehicle, Robert Clayton Lusk, is not named as a defendant in this action. Instead, the focus is on the alleged negligence of the Pinellas County Board for not ensuring an operational stop sign at a critical location near where the accident took place.
The plaintiff argues that this oversight constitutes a breach of duty by the county board and directly contributed to Karen White's injuries and subsequent death. "Defendant breached its duty of care owed to Plaintiff by failing to have an operational stop sign," states one section of the complaint. This alleged failure is said to have caused significant and permanent bodily harm to Karen White before her passing.
The lawsuit further elaborates on the extensive damages suffered by Karen White due to this incident. These include severe physical injuries leading to disability and disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and substantial medical expenses. The plaintiff claims these losses are either permanent or ongoing and will continue into the future.
In terms of legal recourse, Vicki White-Miltun seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 from the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. She also demands coverage for all associated legal costs and requests a jury trial for all issues deemed triable under law.
Representing Vicki White-Miltun is attorney Matias F. Cordoba from Hancock Injury Attorneys based in Tampa, Florida. As this case progresses through court proceedings under Case Number 25-001514-CI with Judge Ken Burke presiding over initial filings as Clerk of Court for Pinellas County—its outcome could set important precedents regarding municipal responsibilities towards public safety infrastructure maintenance.