Judge and gavel

PREMISES LIABILITY

Hillsborough Circuit Court

A jury ruled against a probation officer who sued the Florida Department of Transportation after he tripped and fell while running in a sidewalk construction zone.

Michael Washington, then 53, said his fall was caused by a piece of wood protruding across the sidewalk near where drainage work was being performed in October 2012. Washington claimed workers were using the wood to keep a pipe from rolling away.

The defense argued  Washington was negligent because he ran full speed through a construction zone at night and failed to look where he was going.

Case: Washington v. Florida Department of Transportation

Case No.: 16-CA-000893

Plaintiffs attorney: Christopher A. Boyd, Butler & Boyd, Tampa

Defense attorney: Matthew J. Jowanna, The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, Wesley Chapel