In a gripping legal battle that highlights the perils of property management, a Florida resident has taken legal action against two property companies following a severe accident. Timothy Allen Grothause filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on April 21, 2025, against Great Life Properties, LLC and Terrier Properties, LLC.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on September 24, 2023, when Grothause visited his daughter at her apartment in St. Petersburg. The plaintiff alleges that while descending the stairs of the apartment building owned by Great Life Properties and managed by Terrier Properties, he fell due to poor lighting and hazardous conditions. According to the complaint, "there were no lights on in the common area of the stairs," creating an "unreasonably dangerous condition" that led to his fall and subsequent injuries.
Grothause accuses both companies of negligence for failing to maintain safe premises. He asserts that Great Life Properties had a non-delegable duty to ensure safety on their property but neglected this responsibility by not providing adequate lighting or maintaining the stairwell. Similarly, Terrier Properties is accused of breaching its duty as a managing agent by not inspecting or correcting these unsafe conditions. The complaint details multiple allegations including failure to warn about dangers and insufficient maintenance practices.
Seeking justice for his ordeal, Grothause demands damages exceeding $50,000 for bodily injury, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering among other claims. He argues that these damages are permanent or continuing due to significant injuries sustained from the fall. Additionally, he seeks pre- and post-judgment interest along with any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Grothause are attorneys Nadine S. Diaz and Walter L. Grantham Jr., from Darrigo & Diaz P.A., based in Tampa. The case is identified under Case Number: 25-002078-CI.