Case Background
On May 22, 2022, Claudia Lemos visited a nail salon located at 75 S.E. 6th Street, #104, Miami, Florida. Brickell 25 Holding, LLC owned, operated, or managed the premises. Lemos entered the laundry room while lawfully on the property as a business invitee.
Cause
While inside the laundry room, Lemos slipped and fell. The complaint stated that a water leak in the area caused liquid to pool on the floor. The floor had no drainage, creating a persistent hazard. Brickell 25 allegedly failed to maintain the premises or inspect for dangers. The plaintiff claimed the defendant did not place warning signs, repair the leak, or remove the puddled water. The dangerous condition, according to the complaint, was not visible to visitors. Lemos asserted that Brickell 25 either created the hazard or knew—or should have known—about it.
Injury
Lemos suffered serious and permanent bodily injuries from the fall. She experienced pain, disfigurement, and reduced physical capacity. The complaint described her condition as disabling and emotionally distressing. Her ability to enjoy life changed significantly after the incident.
Damages
Lemos sought compensation for medical bills, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment. She claimed lost earnings and reduced future earning ability. The lawsuit also included damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. The injuries allegedly aggravated a pre-existing condition. Her losses were described as continuing and permanent.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Claudia Lemos
Counsel for Plaintiff: Jason G. Barnett
Defendant(s): Brickell 25 Holding LLC
Counsel for Defendant: Paul A. McKenna
Claims Against the Defendant
Lemos brought one count of negligence against Brickell 25. She alleged that the company failed to maintain safe premises, did not warn of the hazard, and did not correct the dangerous condition. She demanded compensatory damages, costs, and a jury trial.
Defense
Brickell 25 Holding, LLC denied all allegations of negligence in Claudia Lemos’ amended complaint. The company argued that it neither created nor knew about any hazardous condition in the laundry room where Lemos allegedly slipped. As part of its affirmative defenses, Brickell 25 claimed that any danger present was open and obvious and should have been avoided by the plaintiff. It further stated that it lacked actual or constructive notice of the hazard, making it impossible to remedy.
Additionally, the defendant alleged that Lemos was comparatively negligent and therefore responsible, at least in part, for her own injuries. Brickell 25 also contested the existence of any damages, arguing that the plaintiff did not suffer injuries as a result of the incident.
Verdict
On May 21, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant, Brickell 25 Holding, LLC. The jury found that the defendant was not liable for the injuries sustained by the plaintiff, Claudia Lemos, in the slip-and-fall incident that occurred on May 22, 2022. As a result, the Court entered judgment for the defendant, and the plaintiff was awarded no damages.
