Milagros Williams as Parent and Next Friend of Juwan O’Neal, a Minor vs.  La Prima Holdings, LLC, et al

Case Background

On May 9, 2022, Plaintiff Milagros Williams as Parent and Next Friend of Juwan O’Neal, a Minorfiled a Premises Liability lawsuit in the  Florida State, Duval County, Fourth Circuit Court (Case number: 2022-CA-002590). James H. Daniel presided over this case.

Cause

On May 10, 2018, Juwan O’Neal, a minor, lawfully visited the La Casa Prima Apartments at 5521 Ricker Road in Jacksonville, Florida. As a lawful invitee of a resident, he used the common areas and grounds of the apartment complex. During his visit, he tripped and fell over tree roots that La Prima Holdings, LLC, and Upside Management, LLC, had negligently maintained. Both companies operated, managed, and controlled the apartment property, making them responsible for ensuring the safety of its common areas. However, they allowed hazardous tree roots to remain exposed, creating a dangerous condition for invitees. The fall directly resulted from their failure to address this hazardous condition, leading to significant consequences for the plaintiff.

Injuries

Juwan O’Neal suffered severe injuries due to the fall, experiencing pain in his body and extremities. His injuries necessitated medical treatment, resulting in considerable medical expenses. The physical trauma caused by the accident also led to a physical handicap, severely impacting his daily activities. Medical professionals determined that his injuries were either permanent or would continue to affect him over time. This ongoing physical impairment meant he would likely endure pain, physical limitations, and medical expenses in the future.

Damages

As a result of the defendants’ negligence, Juwan O’Neal faced immediate and long-term consequences. The fall inflicted physical pain and emotional distress, while his medical treatment incurred substantial costs. His injuries impaired his physical capabilities, reducing his ability to engage in routine activities and potentially affecting his future well-being. The plaintiff expected Juwan to continue suffering from these damages, both physically and financially. Therefore, the plaintiff sought compensation exceeding $30,000, excluding legal fees, court costs, and interest, to account for his current and future losses

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Milagros Williams as Parent and Next Friend of Juwan O’Neal, a Minor
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Kenneth Clark Steel, III
  • Defendant(s): La Prima Holdings, LLC | Upside Management, LLC
    • Counsel for Defendants: N/A

 Claims

Milagros Williams, acting as the parent and next friend of Juwan O’Neal, pursued legal action against La Prima Holdings, LLC, and Upside Management, LLC, for their negligence in maintaining the apartment complex. She claimed both companies failed to keep the common areas and grounds in a reasonably safe condition and neglected their duty to warn invitees of dangerous conditions. By allowing exposed and poorly maintained tree roots to remain, the defendants created an unsafe environment. Their failure to take corrective action directly caused Juwan’s injuries. The plaintiff contended that the defendants’ negligence violated their duty of care under premises liability law and demanded compensation for the resulting physical, emotional, and financial damages.

Defense

La Prima Holdings, LLC, and Upside Management, LLC, actively denied any negligence or liability for the incident involving Juwan O’Neal. They argued that they maintained the common areas of the La Casa Prima Apartments in a reasonably safe condition and fulfilled their duty of care to all invitees. The defendants claimed that the tree roots were not inherently dangerous and did not present a condition that they knew or should have known posed a hazard. Furthermore, they contended that they took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the property and regularly inspected and maintained the premises.

The defense asserted that Juwan O’Neal’s fall resulted from his own inattentiveness rather than any hazardous condition on the property. They suggested that he failed to exercise reasonable caution while navigating the common areas. Additionally, the defendants maintained that they had no obligation to provide a warning for an open and obvious condition like tree roots, which any reasonable person would have noticed. Therefore, they argued that they should not be held responsible for Juwan’s injuries and that any claim of negligence was unfounded. The defense requested that the court dismiss the claims and absolve them of any liability, denying the plaintiff’s demand for damages.

Jury Verdict

On November 18, 2024, the jury determined that Milagros Williams, acting as the parent and next friend of Juwan O’Neal, was entitled to $7,637 for the medical expenses incurred due to Juwan’s injuries. Additionally, the jury awarded Juwan O’Neal $40,000 for his mental pain and suffering. In total, the jury awarded $47,637 in damages in a Premises liability lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request