An Ocala woman who alleges she was seriously injured after crashing into a dead end near the Amazon Fulfillment Center is being accused of “artificially” inflating her medical bills to receive a larger settlement.
In September, additional filings were made by attorneys representing Kali Reed, who is suing Red Rocks Developments, LLC for the alleged incident.
In an amended complaint filed by her attorneys on September 6, Reed specifies that the incident in question allegedly took place on October 28, 2019. According to her amended complaint, Reed was driving a 2017 Hyundai Elantra down NW 35th Street Road when “the road abruptly ended and she crashed.”
As a result of the crash, Reed claims she suffered “serious and permanent injuries.”
In a response putting forth their answer and affirmative defenses to the amended complaint, attorneys representing Red Rocks argue that Reed’s “negligence was the legal cause, in whole or in part, of claimed injuries and damages.” They accuse Reed of “carelessly” and “negligently” failing to take appropriate “evasive action” and failing to “exercise ordinary due care at the time of the incident.”
Additionally, the company’s attorneys argue that Reed’s injuries were not to the “nature and extent alleged in the amended complaint,” and ask for “strict proof” of said injuries. They accuse Reed of failing to “mitigate damages” and exaggerating the extent of her injuries.
“Plaintiff’s claims for medical and hospital expenses are limited and/or barred to the amount of any such expenses which have actually been paid and accepted by any health care provider,” reads the response.
Red Rock’s attorneys argue that Reed’s “claimed medical bills are unreasonable and have been artificially inflated” by her medical providers “for the purpose of litigation.”
Now in its third month, the case docket shows that a notice of service of standing orders was filed by Reed’s attorney on September 20.
Red Rock Developments, LLC is a privately held real estate development and investment company that is headquartered in South Carolina. The group has invested millions of dollars through commercial property development in Ocala, including facilities at the Florida Crossroads Commerce Park that house Amazon and FedEx, among several other national companies.
During a visit to the roadway on September 8, 2023, Ocala-News.com found “Dead End” signs at 1,000 and 500 feet, as well as a flashing light, road reflectors, and a “Road Closed” sign.
Google Maps images captured in April 2019 show the undeveloped area.
