Central Florida woman wins nearly $1 million verdict against Orlando hotel
An Orange County jury awarded a Polk County woman a $923,000 verdict for injuries she suffered in a 2018 fall outside the Caribe Royale resort in Orlando.
On June 12, 2018, 52-year-old Melissa Allen, was walking toward the resort’s entrance when an improperly secured irrigation box cover gave way that caused causing her to fall into a knee-deep hole.
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The fall caused severe joint dysfunction which required four surgeries.
According to a new release, during the five-day trial attorneys for Caribe Royale blamed Allen for the fall.
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In the end, jurors found Caribe Royale responsible for Allen’s injuries and ordered them to pay $923,000 to cover her medical expenses and pain and suffering.
“Property owners have an imperative duty to keep their grounds free from hazards like the one that caused life-altering injuries to our client,” attorney Varun Ramnarine said. “We’re pleased that the jury vindicated Ms. Allen and saw that this fall - and the recurring pain, multiple surgeries, and mental anguish it caused her - were not her fault. My team and I are pleased we obtained a just result for Mrs. Allen, and we hope it sends a message to property owners throughout Florida that negligent groundskeeping has severe consequences.”
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In March, an Orange County jury awarded a Clay County woman Melissa Allen after she was injured in a different incident at the Caribe Royale in 2016.
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