FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Black Rock Trial Lawyers Files Lawsuit Against City of Lakeland on Behalf of Injured Pedestrian

TAMPA, Fla. — June 2, 2026 — Black Rock Trial Lawyers has filed a negligence lawsuit against the City of Lakeland on behalf of Theresa Stevenson, a Florida resident who suffered serious injuries after allegedly tripping and falling on a hazardous condition along a public walking trail at Lake Parker Park.

According to the complaint filed in the Circuit Court for Polk County, Ms. Stevenson was walking on a trail within Lake Parker Park on June 7, 2024, when she tripped over a raised crack in the concrete walking surface. The fall allegedly caused severe injuries requiring hospitalization and surgery and resulted in significant damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of earning capacity.

The lawsuit alleges that the City of Lakeland owned, controlled, maintained, and operated the trail and failed to keep the area in a reasonably safe condition for pedestrians. The complaint further alleges that the City knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to properly inspect, maintain, repair, or warn visitors about the hazard.

“Public parks and walking trails should be safe for the citizens who use them,” said Steven Capriati, Esq., counsel for Ms. Stevenson. “When dangerous conditions are allowed to exist on public property, preventable injuries can occur. This lawsuit seeks accountability and fair compensation for the serious harm our client suffered.”

The complaint alleges that the dangerous condition constituted operational negligence and that the City failed to take reasonable measures to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable tripping hazards.

Ms. Stevenson seeks compensatory damages in excess of $50,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees, with the exact amount to be determined by a jury.

The allegations contained in the complaint are claims that have not yet been proven in court. The City of Lakeland has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit.

About Black Rock Trial Lawyers:

Black Rock Trial Lawyers is a Florida-based litigation firm dedicated to representing individuals and families harmed by the negligence of others. The firm advocates for clients in serious personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death, and other civil litigation matters throughout Florida.

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Media Contact:

Monica Sanchez, Directora de Operaciones (COO)
Black Rock Trial Lawyers, LLC
(813) 254-1777
monica@blackrocklaw.com