Article Courtesy of The Florida Record
By Noddy A. Fernandez

Published February 25, 2018

CLEARWATER — A St. Petersburg couple is suing a Largo condominium operator and owners, alleging negligence and failure to warn.

William Patrick Greene and Terry Lee Greene filed a complaint Feb. 1 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Shipwatch Yacht Club Condominium Association, Inc. and Resource Property Management Inc., alleging failure to warn of the risks of bodily injuries for people working on its premises.

According to the complaint, on Feb, 28, 2017, William Greene was hired by defendants to assist with emergency cleanup and removal of the Har-Tru clay runoff from the tennis courts to the landscaping, sidewalks and adjacent streets at the Shipwatch condominium, 11900 Shipwatch Drive, Largo. Greene says during his employment he was not aware that the clay dust was toxic, containing crystalline silica, which can cause lung fibrosis, commonly referred to as silicosis.

The couple says Greene has been diagnosed with pneumonia and continuously experiences dyspnea on exertion and shortness of breath as a result of his exposure to Har-Tu clay while working in the condominium.

The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to notify, warn or otherwise inform workers of the perils or risks of bodily injuries while working on its premises, failed to post warning signs to identify work areas where respirable silica is present and failed to provide protective equipment.

The Greenes seek trial by jury, compensatory damages of at least $15,000, court costs and all other relief allowed by law. They are represented by attorney Henry E. Valenzuela of Valenzuela Law Firm PA in Tampa.