PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – In a troubling case emerging from Pinellas County, a local resident is taking legal action against her apartment management, alleging that spider bites ultimately led to the amputation of two of her toes. This story was first covered by 10 Tampa Bay News.
Patricia Shields has filed a lawsuit seeking financial compensation, claiming that shortly after moving into the Grand Oak Apartments in November 2024, she began encountering spiders. This move came after she lost her previous home to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
“I initially felt content, but the bites kept happening repeatedly,” Shields shared with WTSP, mentioning that the incidents consistently occurred in the bathroom.
While WTSP has not been able to confirm the specific type of spiders involved, Shields insists her medical records and doctors’ testimonies support her claims.
Shields recounted a shocking visit to urgent care, where a doctor informed her, “We have to amputate, or you risk losing your entire foot or leg.” She initially thought it was a jest.
According to court documents, the apartment management denies Shields’ accusations, arguing that the complaint lacks specificity. WTSP reports that a motion has been filed to dismiss the lawsuit or, alternatively, to request a more detailed statement.
Read further from 10 Tampa Bay News.
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