In a gripping legal battle that has captured the attention of many, a couple from New York is taking on a prominent Florida resort over an incident that has allegedly caused them significant personal and emotional harm. Susan and James Baresel have filed a lawsuit against The Sandpearl Resort, LLC in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on April 29, 2025. The plaintiffs allege negligence on the part of the resort, which they claim led to severe injuries for Susan Baresel.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on May 7, 2024, when Susan Baresel was visiting The Sandpearl Resort as a business invitee. According to the complaint, while walking towards the beach area designated for registered guests only, she fell into a hole that had not been properly filled. This fall resulted in what her legal team describes as "a significant permanent loss of important bodily functions," leading to pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and other long-term impacts. Her husband James claims this incident has also deprived him of his wife's companionship and support.
The plaintiffs argue that The Sandpearl Resort failed in its duty to maintain safe premises for its patrons. They assert that the resort should have been aware of the dangerous condition or would have known about it had they exercised reasonable care. The complaint states: "Defendant breached that duty to Plaintiff by failing to maintain the property in a safe manner thereby causing or permitting a dangerous condition to exist." This alleged negligence forms the crux of their legal action against the resort.
Susan Baresel seeks compensation for her injuries and associated medical expenses. Her husband James is pursuing damages for loss of consortium due to his wife's injuries impacting their marital relationship. Both plaintiffs are demanding judgment against The Sandpearl Resort for these grievances along with any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Susan and James Baresel is attorney J.D. Patel from Tragos, Sartes & Tragos PLLC based in Clearwater, Florida. The case is identified under Case Number 25-002253-CI.