$17 Million Verdict for Mother and Daughter Burned in Apartment Explosion

On April 24, 2022, a devastating explosion erupted from the broiler drawer of Alaquana Wells’s apartment oven in Gainesville, Florida. The fire was caused by a can of FlexSeal—a highly flammable aerosol sealant—that had been left behind during unit renovations at the Carver Gardens Apartments. The blast occurred as Wells was preparing a meal for her family. She was standing directly in front of the oven when the can exploded, engulfing her in flames and leaving her with burns over at least 27% of her body.

Wells's daughter, Aariona Williams, was also caught in the blaze and sustained burns to approximately 8% of her body. Both were hospitalized following the explosion: Wells remained in a burn unit for three weeks, while Williams was discharged after five days. Wells later testified that her injuries have left her physically weakened and struggling to care for her children. “Stirring with a spoon makes my hand ache,” she said during her deposition. “I feel like I can’t protect myself to the full ability with my hands. They feel weak, and my arms feel weak.”

The Allegations of Negligence

Wells filed her initial complaint on March 16, 2023, alleging that the apartment’s owner, Foundation for Affordable Housing (FFAH Carver Gardens), was negligent in failing to properly inspect her unit following renovations. PK Management LLC, which had overseen the renovations, was added as a defendant in an amended complaint later that year.

According to court records, only three out of 100 renovated units—including Wells’s—had not received post-renovation inspections. These units had been flagged for follow-up, yet no inspections occurred. Plaintiffs argued that had Wells’s unit been properly checked, the FlexSeal can would have been discovered and removed before the oven was used.

The complaint also alleged multiple failures by the defendants, including failure to warn of latent or concealed dangers, failure to provide a reasonably safe premises, and violations of Florida’s Landlord Tenant Act. In response, both FFAH and PK Management denied liability, asserting in a joint pretrial statement that the plaintiffs’ own actions were responsible for their injuries. Specifically, the defense highlighted Wells’s admission to consuming a marijuana edible before the incident, as well as a post-hospital drug test that indicated the presence of Xanax.

The Trial and the Jury’s Decision

The case proceeded to trial in Alachua County state court, where jurors were asked to determine whether the apartment owner and management company bore responsibility for the plaintiffs’ injuries. After three hours of deliberation, the jury found both defendants negligent. They apportioned 65% of the fault to PK Management and 35% to FFAH Carver Gardens.

The jury awarded $15 million to Wells and $2 million to Williams, totaling $17 million in damages. According to plaintiffs' counsel, Ryan Will of Morgan & Morgan PA, the award reflects not only the severity of the physical and emotional suffering endured but also the preventable nature of the incident. “Every day as they look in the mirror or meet someone new, there will always be a physical reminder of that tragic day,” Will stated. “This young mother will require ongoing medical procedures and treatments on this lifelong physical and mental healing journey.”

The Law Firms Involved

Wells and Williams were represented by J. Ryan Will, Joshua Moore, and Connor Crum of Morgan & Morgan PA, a firm known for representing plaintiffs in complex personal injury cases.

The defendants, FFAH Carver Gardens and PK Management LLC, were represented by Ryan M. Garrett and Charles L. Dewrell of Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig LLP, a defense firm experienced in landlord liability and insurance litigation.

What Comes Next?

While the jury's verdict offers some closure to the plaintiffs, the case may not be entirely resolved. As of the verdict’s announcement, defense counsel had not issued public comments and may seek to appeal the decision or request a reduction in damages. Regardless of future legal maneuvers, the outcome signals a strong stance on property management accountability and reinforces the importance of thorough post-renovation inspections in residential settings.

The case, Alaquana Wells et al. v. FFAH Carver Gardens LLC et al., case number 2023-CA-001009, was heard in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.