Trial News

For nearly 10 months, the manager of Palm Aire Gardens, a condominium complex, received numerous complaints from female residents that resident Charles Gipson was threatening, harassing, and calling them. One of these women obtained a restraining order against Gipson. Property manager First Service Residential Florida and the Palm Aire Gardens Condominium Association took no steps to warn residents about Gipson.

One morning, Gipson attacked Patricia Norris, 27, as she was entering her apartment. Gipson stabbed Norris 12 times with a knife. She underwent two surgeries and suffers scarring from her injuries. She also suffers from psychological issues resulting from the incident. Her medical expenses were more than $99,800.

Norris sued Palm Aire Gardens Condominium Association and First Service Residential, alleging negligent security. The plaintiff claimed that the defendants should have warned residents about and removed Gipson from the premises in light of the many complaints received about him. Suit did not claim lost income.

The parties settled for $2 million.

Citation: Norris v. Palm Aire Gardens Condo. Ass’n, No. 17-023980CA01 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade Cnty. Jan. 6, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Todd Michaels, Coral Gables, Fla.; and Jon Zepnick, Hollywood, Fla.

Plaintiff expert: James McNamara, security, Stafford, Va.