A harrowing incident at a go-kart track has led to a lawsuit that highlights serious allegations of negligence and misconduct. The complaint was filed by Patrick Dickin in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County, Florida, on September 5, 2025, against American Management Concepts, LLC, doing business as Tampa Bay Grand Prix, and an unnamed employee. The case revolves around an accident that occurred on September 20, 2024, which left Dickin with severe injuries.
According to the complaint, Patrick Dickin was present at the Tampa Bay Grand Prix as a business invitee when an unfortunate sequence of events unfolded. An unknown individual operating a go-kart crashed into another kart on the track. This collision resulted in one of the karts becoming airborne and landing atop another vehicle, trapping a young patron underneath. In response to this dangerous situation, an employee identified only as John Doe attempted to lift the top kart but failed to do so alone. Dickin stepped in to assist; however, John Doe allegedly released his hold without warning, causing Dickin to bear the full weight of the kart and suffer significant injuries.
The lawsuit outlines multiple counts against both defendants. Count I accuses John Doe Employee of negligence for failing to properly supervise and manage the go-kart operations safely. It claims he breached his duty by not instructing or warning drivers adequately and releasing his grip on the kart unexpectedly during rescue efforts. As a result of these actions, Dickin suffered various physical and emotional damages.
Count II extends liability to American Management Concepts under vicarious liability principles. It asserts that as operators of the facility located at 12350 Automobile Blvd., Clearwater, Florida, they are responsible for their employees’ actions and failures in supervision and training. Furthermore, it alleges negligent hiring practices (Count III) due to inadequate background checks on employees like John Doe who lacked necessary skills for their roles.
Additional accusations include negligent retention (Count IV), claiming that despite knowing about John Doe’s deficiencies in training and judgment capabilities essential for safe operation at TBGP facilities—American Management Concepts continued employing him irresponsibly.
Moreover (Count V), dangerous instrumentality doctrine is invoked against TBGP since they owned both premises where incidents occurred along with vehicles involved therein—asserting responsibility over reckless acts committed by unknown invitees driving those vehicles under their knowledge/consent.
In terms of relief sought from court proceedings initiated here today: Plaintiff requests judgment awarding damages exceeding $50k exclusive interest/costs alongside jury trial demands covering all triable issues presented within complaints filed thus far; these encompass pain/suffering endured plus ongoing medical expenses incurred following injuries sustained throughout ordeal experienced firsthand amid chaotic circumstances surrounding initial crash aftermath itself!
Representing Patrick Dickin are attorneys Felipe B. Fulgencio (FBN: 95961), Courtney A. Umberger (FBN: 88240), and Brett M. Hogue (FBN: 1022367) from Fulgencio Law PLLC based out Tampa FL office.
Source: 25004956CI_Patrick_Dickin_v_American_Management_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida_.pdfSource: 25004956CI_Patrick_Dickin_v_American_Management_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida_.pdfSource: 25004956CI_Patrick_Dickin_v_American_Management_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida_.pdf
