Julio Fontoura Plaintiff vs. SCG Atlas Sheridan Ocean Club LLC, et al Defendant

On March 13, 2024, the Florida jury returned a defense verdict in favor of the Sheridan Ocean Club Apartments' owner as no negligence was found in this premises liability lawsuit arising from a slip and fall on the apartment stairs after it had rained.

Case Background

On September 24, 2020, Julio Fontoura filed a lawsuit alleging negligence against his apartment before the Florida State, Broward County, 17th Circuit Court. Judge David A. Haimes presided over this case. [Case number: CACE20015808]

Cause

On November 12, 2017, Julio Fontoura, aged 48 and a tile business owner, was descending the outdoor staircase of his residence at the Sheridan Ocean Club Apartments on Seventh Avenue in Dania. The weather had been rainy, and while carrying a garbage bag, Fontoura slipped on the wet stairs and fell. Fontoura pursued compensation for the alleged negligence from the property owner, SCG Atlas Sheridan Ocean Club, and its manager, Highmark Residential LLC.

Injury

Fontoura allegedly suffered herniations at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7, along with disc issues and radiculopathy in his lower back. His right shoulder was diagnosed with a labrum tear and subacromial impingement. Fontoura underwent treatments including medial branch blocks and epidural steroid injections for his back, and he underwent four surgeries. In 2018, he underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, as well as a diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy involving partial synovectomy, debridement, and subacromial decompression. Fontoura had a repeat shoulder surgery in 2019. He received cervical rhizot