A Florida woman has launched a legal battle against her former apartment management, claiming their failure to address a spider infestation led to severe injuries, including the loss of two toes.
Lawsuit Alleges Neglect and Severe Injury
Patricia Shields filed a negligence claim against the Grand Oak Apartments in Largo on November 25. She is seeking damages exceeding $50,000. Shields alleges that repeated spider bites in her bathroom caused a serious infection, which ultimately necessitated the surgical amputation of two of her toes.
In emotional comments to local media, Shields described the ongoing impact of her ordeal. 'It looks ridiculous,' she said tearfully. 'It's embarrassing, and I hate having to explain myself all the time.' She recounted the terror of the bites, stating, 'That was horrifying. I was never so scared in my life.'
Claims of Ignored Complaints
The heart of the lawsuit rests on Shields' assertion that she reported the dangerous pest problem to management on multiple occasions but was dismissed. 'They threw them away or blew me off,' she claimed. Her situation became desperate after her previous home was flooded by Hurricane Helene, leaving her with limited housing options under her Section 8 voucher.
Shields stated that when she finally asked to be released from her lease, the request was denied. The defendants have formally denied her allegations, arguing in legal filings that they are not responsible for the damages and that her complaints lack specificity.
A Wider Warning on Venomous Spiders
This alarming case comes amid increased warnings about dangerous spider bites in other regions. Tourists in Spanish holiday hotspots have recently been alerted to bites from the Mediterranean violin spider, a venomous species common in the Balearic Islands.
Biologist Guillem Pons emphasised the urgency of seeking medical help if bitten, noting cases have occurred in various settings, including cars and bathrooms. A separate incident in 2024 saw a 32-year-old woman nearly lose her leg to tissue necrosis from a similar spider's venom before life-saving surgery.
For Patricia Shields, the legal process represents a quest for closure. 'It's been a long year,' she said. 'I just want it to be over... I want everything settled so I can go back to my life.' The Grand Oak Apartments management has been contacted for comment on the ongoing case.
