GREENACRES, FL — A Palm Beach County man has filed a negligence lawsuit against the City of Greenacres, claiming he was injured after tripping on a broken and uneven sidewalk while jogging, according to a complaint filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
The lawsuit, Ferland Austin v. City of Greenacres, Case No. 502026CA005800XXXAMB, was filed May 22, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County. The complaint was filed on behalf of plaintiff Ferland Austin by Chalik & Chalik, P.A., with attorney Debi F. Chalik listed in the filing.
The complaint names the City of Greenacres, described in the filing as a governmental entity within Palm Beach County, as the defendant. The allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in court, and the filing reviewed by Boca Post does not include a response from the city.
According to the complaint, Austin is a Palm Beach County resident who was jogging on or near the area of Forest Hill and Maplewood Drive in Greenacres on or about Sept. 6, 2024. The lawsuit alleges Austin was lawfully using the sidewalk as a pedestrian when he encountered a defective condition.
The filing claims the sidewalk was “broken, cracked, uneven and/or raised,” creating what the complaint describes as a tripping hazard. Austin alleges that the City of Greenacres was responsible for maintaining the premises and common areas in a reasonably safe condition for members of the public using the sidewalk.
The lawsuit further alleges the city, through its agents, servants or employees, created or allowed a dangerous and defective condition to exist and failed to inspect, maintain or repair the sidewalk. According to the complaint, the alleged condition caused Austin to trip and fall.
The filing also claims the city knew or should have known about the sidewalk condition through actual or constructive notice because, according to the lawsuit, the condition existed long enough for the city to warn the public, inspect the area or repair the problem.
Austin claims he suffered injuries to his body and extremities, along with physical handicap, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, physical and mental pain and suffering, permanent disability and disfigurement, and medical and maintenance expenses. The complaint states that some of the alleged injuries and losses are permanent or continuing in nature.
The lawsuit brings one count of negligence against the City of Greenacres. Austin is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, exclusive of interest and costs, and is demanding a jury trial on all issues so triable.
Boca Post reviewed the complaint, Ferland Austin v. City of Greenacres, Case No. 502026CA005800XXXAMB, filed May 22, 2026, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County.
As of the filing reviewed, the case is a newly filed civil complaint. A defense response was not included in the provided court filing.
Boca Post reports on newly filed Boca Raton lawsuits and civil court cases in Palm Beach County every day.
