Case Background
Quanisha Hepburn, a Miami-Dade County resident, filed a personal injury lawsuit against Super Romeo Enterprises, LLC, Miami Partytime LLC, and South Florida Luxury Limos LLC. All three companies operated within Miami-Dade County. Hepburn filed the case locally, seeking damages in excess of $30,000.
Cause of Action
On April 22–23, 2017, Quanisha Hepburn rode a “party bus” operated by the defendants. She was 18 years old at the time. Around 1:10 a.m. on April 23, the driver stopped at the Golden Glades Park and Ride near NW 161st Street and I-95. Personnel instructed Hepburn to exit the bus at that location, which was widely known for criminal activity. Moments after stepping off the bus, Hepburn was shot just outside the vehicle.
Injury
The shooting caused severe gunshot wounds, resulting in intense pain, permanent disability, and emotional trauma. Hepburn’s injuries led to disfigurement and the loss of major bodily functions. She also lost the ability to enjoy life as she once did. Medical evaluations confirmed long-term damage to her capacity to work and function independently.
Damages
Hepburn underwent extensive hospitalization and treatment, requiring nursing care and ongoing medical support. Her injuries significantly limited her ability to earn income and aggravated pre-existing health conditions. The losses were permanent and ongoing. She sought compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and loss of future earnings.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Quanisha Hepburn
Counsel for Plaintiff: Brian P. Gampel | Ross Bennett Gampel | Christopher G. Klemick | Joseph C. Schulz
Defendants: Super Romeo Enterprises LLC | Miami Partytime LLC | South Florida Luxury Limos LLC
Counsel for Defendants: Christian Baker Unruh | Robert Eric Sacks
Claims
Count I – Super Romeo Enterprises LLC:
Hepburn claimed the company failed to provide a safe environment. Staff let her exit the bus in a high-crime area without warning. They lacked proper training and offered no security. She argued this negligence led directly to the shooting.
Count II – Miami Partytime LLC:
She accused the company of allowing minors to drink and failing to prevent criminal activity. She said they let her exit without warning or security. She blamed the company for enabling a dangerous environment that caused her harm.
Count III – South Florida Luxury Limos LLC:
Hepburn argued this company also failed to ensure passenger safety. She claimed they did not provide security, screen passengers, or train staff properly. She connected these failures to the shooting incident.
Defense
South Florida Luxury Limos denied any responsibility for the incident. The company asserted it had no duty of care, as it neither owned nor operated the bus. It argued that Hepburn chose the drop-off location herself and claimed that third parties, including the shooter, were responsible for the incident. The defense stated that Hepburn assumed the risk by participating and invoked Florida’s comparative fault laws and Tort Reform Act to reduce its liability. The company also contended that Hepburn failed to mitigate her damages and sought to shift blame to other parties.
Jury Verdict
On March 17, 2025, the jury ruled in Hepburn’s favor against Super Romeo Enterprises and Miami Partytime LLC. Jurors agreed the companies were negligent in protecting passengers.
Awarded Damages:
Past Medical Expenses: $31,090.16
Future Medical Expenses: $618,909.84
Total Medical Expenses: $650,000.00
Past Non-Economic Damages: $160,000.00
Future Non-Economic Damages: $2,190,000.00
Total Damages: $3,000,000.00
The jury found the companies failed to act reasonably in a high-risk area. The verdict held them financially responsible for the injuries Hepburn sustained.