Demetria Rollins vs. Cambridge Management of Washington, Inc.

Case Background

Demetria Rollins filed a premises liability case against Cambridge Management of Washington, Inc. after a trip and fall incident on an uneven and dimly lit pavement in an apartment complex. The case was filed in the Florida Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, with Judge George M. Wright presiding.  [Case number: 2023-CA-001011]

Cause

Defendant Cambridge Management of Washington, Inc. oversaw operations at the Majestic Oaks apartment complex, located at 5800 SW 20th Avenue in Gainesville. On June 16, 2022, Plaintiff Demetria Rollins visited the property. While walking along an uneven and dimly lit roadway within the complex, she stumbled and fell.

Injury

After tripping and falling, Demetria Rollins cut her knee and injured her finger. The injuries caused pain and required medical attention.

Damages

Demetria Rollins sought damages to compensate for the physical, emotional, and financial toll caused by her trip and fall. She pursued compensation for past medical expenses incurred from treating her injuries, including a cut knee and an injured finger. Additionally, she sought damages for past pain and suffering. Rollins also requested compensation for future pain and suffering, arguing that the injuries would have lasting effects on her quality of life.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Demetria Rollins
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Teddy Foster
  • Defendant(s): Cambridge Management of Washington, Inc.
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): James P. Hanratty | Robert E. Williams

Claims

The Plaintiff claimed that the Defendant was negligent by allowing a dangerous condition to persist. Additionally, the Plaintiff argued that the Defendant failed to provide a warning about the hazard. This lack of action contributed to the Plaintiff’s injuries. The Plaintiff contended that the Defendant had a responsibility to maintain safe conditions and inform visitors of potential dangers. By not addressing the issue, the Defendant exposed the Plaintiff to unnecessary risks.

Defense

The Defendant denied the allegations and argued that the Plaintiff was negligent. It claimed that the Plaintiff, staying with a friend at the complex, decided to take a walk at midnight. During her walk, a truck startled her. As a result, she tripped when she reached an area of the driveway next to the sidewalk. The Defendant suggested that the Plaintiff’s actions, rather than any unsafe condition, led to the accident.

Jury Verdict

The jury, which did not consider future medical expenses, determined that the Plaintiff was not negligent. On September 9, 2024, the jury awarded the Plaintiff $829,872.18 in damages. This amount included $13,047.18 for past medical expenses, $66,825 for past pain and suffering, and $750,000 for future pain and suffering.

Post-Trial Motions

On September 20, 2024, the Defendant filed a motion requesting a new trial. It argued that the future noneconomic damages awarded were excessive. Alternatively, the Defendant requested a reduction in the damages through remittitur.

Court Documents:

Available for purchase upon request