102717judge-and-gavel

PREMISES LIABILITY

ORANGE CIRCUIT COURT

The Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando was cleared by a jury of liability for a guest's injuries from a fall in his bathroom.

In 2013, Cesar Espinal, 41, claimed he slipped on a puddle of water and suffered injuries including a contusion and tendinopathy in his right shoulder, neck sprain and bulges at several cervical discs. He alleged a ceiling leak was present for a sufficient time, based on the amount of water on the floor, for the hotel to have notice of a dangerous condition but it failed to repair the leak or warn him about it.

The hotel denied any notice and argued no one had previously complained. The hotel also argued Espinal was negligent for not avoiding the water. The jury issued a defense verdict.

Case: Espinal v. Westgate Resorts

Case No.: 2015-CA-001483-O

Plaintiffs attorneys: Spencer T. Kuvin and Jorge L. Maxion, Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, West Palm Beach

Defense attorneys: Meredith M. Stephens and Art C. Young, Rissman, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue, McLain & Mangan, Orlando