A Pinellas County woman has filed a lawsuit against a local pizza establishment, alleging negligence after suffering injuries on their premises. Arlene Evans filed the complaint in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County, Florida, on April 28, 2025, naming Pompeo, Inc., doing business as Toby's Original Little Italy Pizza, as the defendant.
The lawsuit arises from an incident that occurred on November 2, 2024, when Evans visited Toby's Original Little Italy Pizza located at 3523 49th Street in Saint Petersburg. According to the complaint, Evans was at the restaurant as a business invitee when she tripped and fell over a crinkled mat near the checkout counter. The plaintiff claims that this incident resulted in significant personal injuries including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. She also cites expenses related to hospitalization and medical care as well as loss of earnings.
Evans accuses Toby's Original Little Italy Pizza of failing to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and neglecting to warn her about potential hazards. The complaint details several alleged omissions by the defendant: failing to adequately maintain or inspect the crinkled mat near the checkout counter and not warning patrons about its dangers. "Defendant knew or through reasonable care should have known that said premises’ interior flooring was unreasonably dangerous," states the complaint.
The plaintiff argues that these failures constitute negligence on part of Toby's Original Little Italy Pizza. As such, Evans is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her injuries and associated losses. The lawsuit demands judgment for damages plus interest and costs from Pompeo Inc., with a request for trial by jury.
Representing Arlene Evans is attorney Gabriel Silveira from Morgan & Morgan law firm based in Tampa. The case has been assigned Case Number 25-002202-CI.