Mailwoman claims Ocala apartment complex’s mail bank fell on top of her

A United States Postal Service employee claims she sustained “severe, significant, and permanent injuries” after a mailbox cluster at an Ocala apartment complex fell on top of her while she was delivering mail.

Denise Palmese filed the lawsuit against Northland Heathbrook, LLC, and Northland Investment Corp., in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on August 5.

According to the complaint, Palmese was delivering mail on September 17, 2021, to The Estates at Heathbrook, which are located at 4900 SW 46th Court in Ocala and are owned by Northland Investment Corp.

While she was performing her job, Palmese claims an “entire mail bank fell out and landed” on her. The lawsuit states that the mail bank fell because it was “defective or improperly maintained.”

Palmese’s attorneys argue that the property owner “carelessly and negligently” failed to maintain the mail bank “in a safe condition, free from defects.” They say the apartment complex had a “legal duty to warn” their client of an “unreasonably dangerous conditions” on the premises.

As a result of the incident, Palmese allegedly sustained “severe, significant, and permanent injuries.” She claims she has suffered a “loss of income in the past” and a “loss for the capacity for the enjoyment of life” and will continue to suffer losses in the future.

Palmese is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages, exclusive of legal costs.