Donna Smith has filed a lawsuit against Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., alleging negligence that led to her injury during a visit to the venue. The complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on April 23, 2025. Smith accuses Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. of failing to maintain safe premises, which resulted in her tripping over electric cables and sustaining injuries.
The incident occurred on November 19, 2024, when Donna Smith attended a concert at BayCare Sound, operated by Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., located at 255 Drew Street in Clearwater, Florida. As a business invitee and lawful guest on the premises, Smith asserts that Ruth Eckerd Hall owed her a non-delegable duty to ensure her safety. According to the complaint, this duty was breached when she tripped over improperly placed electric cables while attending the event.
Smith's lawsuit outlines several allegations against Ruth Eckerd Hall, including negligent maintenance of pathways and failure to warn guests about potential hazards such as electrical cords obstructing walkways. The complaint states that these conditions were either known or should have been known by the defendant through reasonable care. Furthermore, it alleges that there was inadequate staff assigned to inspect and maintain safe pathways and insufficient training for employees regarding identifying and addressing dangerous conditions.
As a result of these alleged breaches of duty by Ruth Eckerd Hall, Smith claims she suffered significant personal injuries leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions. These damages are described as permanent or continuing with future implications for Smith's well-being.
Smith seeks damages exceeding $50,000 from Ruth Eckerd Hall for their alleged negligence and demands a jury trial on all triable issues. Her legal representation is provided by Michael C. Bird from Morgan & Morgan Tampa P.A., who filed the complaint on her behalf.
The Case Number is: 25-002142-CI.