Jury Awards 7.5 Million Dollars Against HOA for Injury in a Hot Tub

Recently, a Florida jury awarded an owner more than $7.5 million for injuries affiliated with a defective hot tub.  In that case, the plaintiff began entering the hot tub, which was controlled and maintained by his homeowners association (“HOA”).  When he stepped into the hot tub, he was startled to see that it was partially drained.  Unfortunately, the condition caused the plaintiff to slip and he injured his right shoulder and his spine.  He had multiple surgeries and was forced to sell his boat building business as the result of his injuries.  The attorneys for the HOA argued that the half-empty hot tub was an obvious condition.  The jury found the HOA and its management company jointly liable and awarded $7,560,000 to Plaintiff.

Such complaints should not be taken lightly.  This was an expensive lesson for the HOA and its management company.

Shannon B. Jones, Partner sbj@sbj-law.com