A lawsuit claims that dangerous conditions in a shopping center parking lot led to injuries and property damage for two individuals, raising questions about safety measures at a prominent retail location. The complaint was filed by Ebony Chyronda Siplen and Mia Myronda Simmons on March 17, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, naming Simon Capital GP and/or Simon Property Group LP as defendants.
According to the filing, Siplen and Simmons allege that on June 3, 2025, they were traveling through the parking lot of Tyrone Square Mall at 6901 22nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg when their vehicle encountered a drainage hole or surface defect. Siplen was driving her 2017 Ford Focus with Simmons as a passenger at the time of the incident. The plaintiffs claim that this defect caused both physical injuries and significant damage to their vehicle.
The complaint outlines that Simon Capital GP and/or Simon Property Group LP owned or controlled the premises where the incident occurred. The plaintiffs argue that the defendant had “the right and duty to possess, maintain, and/or control the premises,” including responsibility for ensuring safe conditions for invitees such as themselves. They further allege that “Defendant negligently maintained the property by allowing the asphalt and/or roadway and/or parking to have a drainage hole and/or surface defect to remain causing damage to Plaintiff’s vehicle and injuries to Plaintiff.”
Siplen’s claim states that she suffered permanent bodily injury along with pain, suffering, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, and other related losses. Simmons makes similar allegations regarding her own injuries from the same event.
Both plaintiffs assert that “the negligent condition was known to the Defendant or existed for a sufficient length of time so that the defendant should have known of it.” The complaint details several ways in which they believe Simon Property Group failed its duty of care: not placing cones or barriers around the hazard; failing to post warning signs; not marking or identifying the defect; failing to close off affected areas until repairs could be made; neglecting inspection protocols; and not securing covers over drainage holes adequately.
In addition to personal injury claims under negligence theories for both Siplen and Simmons individually (Counts I & II), Siplen also brings a separate count seeking compensation specifically for property damage to her car. She alleges her vehicle was rendered a total loss due to “Defendant’s negligence,” resulting in replacement costs as well as additional expenses such as sales tax, title fees, towing charges, storage costs, diminished value if any exists, and other out-of-pocket expenditures.
The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs or interest. Both plaintiffs demand judgment against Simon Capital GP and/or Simon Property Group LP for compensatory damages related to bodily injury (including prejudgment interest where allowed), property damages (for Siplen), taxable costs incurred during litigation, any further relief deemed just by the court—and request trial by jury on all triable issues.
The complaint is signed by attorney Christian Denmon (Florida Bar Number 34022) of D2 Law located at 520 2nd Ave South in St. Petersburg. The case is identified as Case Number 26-001683-CI.
Source: 26001683CI_Ebony_Chryonda_v_Simon_Capital_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
