Case Background

Gregory McKnight and Maureen Brown filed a lawsuit in Broward County, Florida, against Adventure Center LLC and U-Haul Co. of Florida. The Plaintiffs, both county residents, claimed the Defendants’ actions caused them serious harm. They sought over $50,000 in damages and requested a jury trial.

What Led to the Dispute

The case stemmed from the Defendants’ alleged negligence involving a large moving truck. U-Haul released the vehicle without valid payment or a signed rental agreement. Adventure Center knowingly allowed multiple unqualified individuals to operate the truck. The Plaintiffs argued this mismanagement directly caused their injuries. They also challenged U-Haul’s attempt to claim immunity under the Graves Amendment, stating the transaction did not meet the definition of a valid rental.

Injuries Reported

McKnight and Brown suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, and disruption to their daily lives. Both required medical care and missed work. Some injuries were described as permanent, with lasting impacts on their health and livelihood.

Compensation Sought

The Plaintiffs requested damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and litigation costs. They asked the court to hold the Defendants fully accountable and allow a jury to decide the outcome.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

• Plaintiffs: Gregory McKnight | Maureen Brown

• Counsel for Plaintiffs: Dan W. Moses

• Defendants: Adventure Center LLC | U-Haul Co. of Florida

• Counsel for Defendants: Matthew R. Olmsted | Bradley Pepper | Kirstie L. Hayduk

Claims

Negligent Entrustment

Adventure Center LLC and U-Haul Co. of Florida entrusted a large moving truck to individuals who were not properly qualified. One such individual, Todd Granstrom, obtained access without providing valid payment or signing a rental agreement. The Defendants failed to verify the identity or authorization of those operating the vehicle. This negligence in entrustment led to the incident that caused the Plaintiffs’ injuries.

Negligence Under the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine

Under Florida law, a moving truck is classified as a dangerous instrumentality. The Defendants were responsible for ensuring only qualified individuals operated the vehicle. Despite this, they allowed unauthorized users access, resulting in negligent operation and harm to the Plaintiffs.

Injuries

Gregory McKnight and Maureen Brown suffered serious physical injuries in the incident. They experienced pain, emotional distress, and financial losses, including medical bills and lost income. The Plaintiffs claimed some injuries would have lasting effects and may require continued medical care.

Exception to the Graves Amendment

U-Haul Co. of Florida sought immunity under the federal Graves Amendment. The Plaintiffs argued the exemption did not apply, as U-Haul failed to complete a lawful rental or lease. Without proper documentation or payment, they claimed the company remained liable for the incident.

Recovery of Legal Costs

The Plaintiffs also requested reimbursement for litigation expenses. They asserted the Defendants’ actions necessitated legal action and prolonged the proceedings. Compensation was sought for court costs, attorney fees, and related expenses.

Defense

U-Haul Co. of Florida denied all allegations presented in the second amended complaint, including claims of negligent entrustment and liability under the dangerous instrumentality doctrine. The company disputed any knowledge of, or approval for, the use of the vehicle by unqualified individuals. It also rejected responsibility for the emotional distress or physical injuries suffered by the Plaintiffs.

U-Haul demanded strict proof for each allegation, emphasizing that the burden of evidence rested with the Plaintiffs. The company reserved the right to amend its defenses should discovery uncover new facts.

Citing Florida Statutes Section 768.76, U-Haul argued that any financial recovery should be reduced by amounts received from collateral sources. It also asserted that liability must be apportioned based on comparative fault, as provided under Sections 768.31 and 768.81.

Finally, U-Haul denied the existence of a valid rental contract linking it to the individuals involved. To resolve the disputed issues, the company requested a jury trial on all matters eligible for such determination.

Jury Verdict

On April 7, 2025, the jury ruled in favor of Plaintiffs Gregory McKnight and Maureen Brown in their negligence case against Adventure Center, LLC. The jury found that the vehicle’s operator was negligent and that Adventure Center negligently entrusted the vehicle, resulting in injury and damages.

The jury awarded a total of $10,998,100 in compensatory damages:

Gregory McKnight – $7,981,000

• $170,000 for past medical expenses

• $520,000 for past lost earnings

• $5,000,000 for past pain, suffering, disability, and impairment

• $2,000,000 for future pain, suffering, disability, and impairment

Maureen Brown – $3,017,100

• $9,600 for past medical expenses

• $750 for future medical expenses

• $2,000,000 for past pain, suffering, disability, and impairment

• $1,000,000 for future pain, suffering, disability, and impairment

The verdict confirmed Adventure Center’s liability for the negligent actions of the vehicle’s operator.

Court Documents

Complaint

Verdict