Case Background
Meagan Wolfla filed a personal injury lawsuit against Bennett Malik in the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Duval County, Florida. Both parties resided in the same county. The incident occurred on Malik’s property, located at 1007 Lobster Lane, Jacksonville. Wolfla, represented by attorney Ian A. Steiner of Morgan & Morgan, filed the complaint on May 3, 2022. She requested a jury trial and sought damages exceeding $30,000.
Alleged Cause of Injury
On August 12, 2021, Wolfla lawfully visited Malik’s property when she tripped and fell on an uneven segment of sidewalk. According to the complaint, Malik either knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. He allegedly failed to inspect, maintain, or repair the sidewalk and did not provide any warning to Wolfla regarding the danger.
Injuries Sustained
As a result of the fall, Wolfla suffered physical injuries, which included pain, disfigurement, and disability. The complaint also described mental anguish and a diminished quality of life. It further alleged that the incident may have aggravated a pre-existing condition. Wolfla experienced ongoing inconvenience due to medical treatment and hospital visits. Some of her injuries were described as permanent or continuing.
Damages Sought
Wolfla sought compensation for a range of losses, including lost wages and reduced future earning capacity. She also claimed reimbursement for medical expenses and other care-related costs. Additionally, she requested damages for emotional distress, mental suffering, and the inconvenience caused by her injuries. The complaint valued her total damages at over $30,000 and included a request for interest and legal fees.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Meagan Wolfla
Counsel for Plaintiff: Ian Andrew Steiner
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Mark S. Frisk | Georges F. El-Bahri | Aaron Bates
Defendant: Malik Bennett
Counsel for Defendant: Julian Emory Wood
Expert Witness for Defendant: Michael J. Foley | Carl R. Freeman
Claims and Allegations
Negligence
Bennett Malik, owner of the property located at 1007 Lobster Lane in Jacksonville, Florida, owed a duty to maintain his premises in a reasonably safe condition for lawful guests. According to the complaint, Malik failed to fulfill this duty. On August 12, 2021, Meagan Wolfla, who was lawfully on the premises, tripped and fell due to an uneven and raised segment of sidewalk.
The complaint alleged that Malik either knew or should have known about the hazardous condition but failed to inspect, repair, or warn of the defect. His inaction constituted a breach of his legal obligations and directly caused Wolfla’s injuries.
Failure to Warn
The Plaintiff further claimed that Malik failed to warn her of the known or reasonably discoverable danger. Despite having actual or constructive knowledge of the uneven sidewalk, he provided no warning to Wolfla. This alleged failure to act contributed to her fall and subsequent injuries.
Damages
As a result of the incident, Wolfla suffered physical injuries, including pain, disfigurement, disability, and mental anguish. Her injuries required medical treatment, and she incurred expenses for care and rehabilitation. The complaint also cited lost income and diminished earning capacity. Some of her injuries were described as permanent or ongoing.
Legal Costs
Wolfla sought compensation for litigation-related costs, including attorney’s fees, court expenses, and interest. She argued that Malik’s negligence made legal action necessary and warranted full financial recovery.
Defense Position
Bennett Malik denied any negligence in the maintenance of his property. He disputed that the sidewalk posed a known or unreasonable hazard and rejected responsibility for Wolfla’s fall and injuries. Malik further claimed that Wolfla had been negligent herself and that her own actions contributed to or caused the incident, thereby limiting or negating his liability.
Jury Verdict
On March 19, 2025, the jury found in favor of the Defendant, Bennett Malik. After reviewing the evidence, the jury concluded that Malik was not negligent in maintaining the premises where the incident occurred. As a result, the Court entered judgment for the defense, awarding no damages to the Plaintiff.
