PREMISES LIABILITY

MIAMI-DADE CIRCUIT COURT

A jury sided with a shopping center after a woman fractured her heel and ankle when she tripped and fell over a parking space bumper in the garage.

Maria Fletcher, 57, had surgery to repair the fractures and claimed she suffers a permanent disability. She sued, claiming the Miracle Marketplace LLC center in Miami was liable for a dangerous condition. Her expert testified the bumper violated industry standards and building codes.

The defense maintained the bumper was an open and obvious condition, complied with building codes and Fletcher must not have been paying attention when she tripped. The jury decided that Miracle Marketplace was not negligent.

Case: Fletcher v. Miracle Marketplace

Case No.: 2017-011654-CA-01

Plaintiffs attorneys: Alaina Fotiu-Wojtowicz, Brodsky Fotiu-Wojtowicz, Miami, and Michael S. Olin, Buckner + Miles, Miami

Defense attorneys: Benjamin Fernandez IV and David A. Herrero, Cole, Scott & Kissane, Miami