A harrowing accident involving a horse ride gone wrong has led to a lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County, Florida. On February 27, 2025, Lilia Belkova Russo initiated legal action against Deer Run Property Owners’ Association, Inc., Florida Power & Light Company, and AT&T Corp. The complaint centers around an incident that occurred on April 4, 2021, when Russo was injured while riding her horse along a bridle path in the Deer Run community.
According to the complaint filed by Russo’s attorney Barry S. Mittelberg, the defendants are accused of negligence and breach of duty concerning the maintenance and safety of utility poles located on community property. The lawsuit claims that these poles were equipped with wires and ropes that lacked protective guards and were partially obscured by foliage. This allegedly created hazardous conditions for residents using the paths with their horses. Russo contends that as she attempted to navigate her horse under these obstructions, her head struck the wires causing her to fall and sustain severe injuries.
The lawsuit accuses Deer Run Property Owners’ Association of failing to maintain safe premises by allowing dangerous obstructions on the bridle paths. The association is also charged with not adhering to its own Declaration of Covenants which mandates that no structure or plant should impede movement or vision on bridle paths. Similarly, Florida Power & Light Company and AT&T Corp are alleged to have neglected their duties in maintaining their utility installations safely.
Russo's complaint outlines several counts including premises liability against Deer Run Property Owners’ Association for not ensuring safe conditions and failing to warn about potential dangers. Additionally, it includes claims of negligence against both Florida Power & Light Company and AT&T Corp for failing to inspect or maintain their equipment properly. As a result of these alleged failures, Russo suffered significant personal injuries including pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.
The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant alongside interest and costs associated with the case. She demands a jury trial for all issues so triable as part of her pursuit for justice.
Representing Lilia Belkova Russo is attorney Barry S. Mittelberg from Coral Springs-based law firm BARRY S. MITTELBERG P.A. The Case Number is: 502025CA001873XXXAMB Div: AE.