In a dramatic legal showdown, a Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against a major storage company following an alarming incident that left him injured and his prized vehicle damaged. On October 17, 2025, James Kwasniowski lodged a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, accusing Public Storage Operating Company of negligence after a ceiling collapse at their facility.
The lawsuit details how on June 26, 2024, Kwasniowski was inspecting his stored vehicle at the Public Storage facility located at 6820 Seminole Blvd when disaster struck. A large section of the ceiling unexpectedly gave way, crashing down upon him and causing significant damage to his cherished 1969 Ford Torino GT. The plaintiff alleges that this incident was due to unsafe conditions at the premises, which he claims were known or should have been known by the defendant.
Kwasniowski’s complaint accuses Public Storage of several breaches of duty. According to the filing, “Defendant PUBLIC STORAGE had a duty to its invitees to maintain its premises in a reasonably safe condition and to discover and eliminate hazards.” However, it is alleged that they failed in this responsibility by allowing dangerous conditions to persist and not providing adequate warnings about potential risks. The plaintiff contends that these failures led directly to his injuries and damages.
The consequences for Kwasniowski have been severe. He reports suffering from ongoing physical injuries that include “significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function,” along with pain and suffering. Furthermore, he claims financial losses from medical expenses and lost wages due to the incident. Additionally, he seeks compensation for the diminished value of his vehicle post-repair.
In seeking justice, Kwasniowski is requesting judgment against Public Storage for damages exceeding $50,000. His legal team is also pursuing costs under Florida Statutes §57.041 and attorney’s fees as per §768.79 should an Offer of Judgment be made.
Representing Kwasniowski are attorneys George Alan Tripp Jr. and Byron L. Kennedy III from Tripp Law Firm P.A., based in Seminole, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number: 25-005851-CI.
Source: 25005851CI_James_Kwasniowski_v_Public_Storage_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
