Trial Magazine
Verdicts & Settlements: Premises Liability
Failure to clean up grease spill at apartment complex
June 2020Crystal Harvey, 43, lived in an apartment building managed by McKinley Gulf of Mexico, LLC. One morning, she told the building’s leasing agent that a puddle of grease was near her front door. Harvey was told to notify the main office. Despite several calls that day, apartment staff did not clean up the grease spill.
Harvey later left her apartment and slipped on the grease, suffering a torn left medial meniscus, a herniated disk at C5-6, and a herniation and annular tear at L4-5.
She underwent three knee surgeries, among other treatments, and continues to suffer residual pain that limits her ability to stand for long periods. Her medical expenses exceeded $313,900.
Harvey and her husband sued McKinley, alleging failure to properly maintain the premises. The defense argued that Harvey knew about the spill and should have been more careful.
The jury awarded $1.48 million, finding Harvey 30% at fault.
Citation: Harvey v. McKinley Gulf of Mexico, LLC, No. 18-002099-CI (Fla. Cir. Ct. Pinellas Cty. Jan. 17, 2020).
Plaintiff counsel: Dane Heptner, AAJ member Mark Perenich, and AAJ member Michael Perenich, all of Clearwater, Fla.
