SETTLEMENT: RIVERWOOD GOLF CLUB VERDICT AWARDS DEPOSIT BACK FOR $24,000
Jason B. Goldman • August 9, 2016
Albert J. Tiseo wins judgment against The Riverwood Golf Club on behalf of retired former members. The Riverwood Golf Club must refund the retired couple their $24,000 deposit.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL – Former members of the Riverwood Golf Club are celebrating a judge’s decision to give the deposit back to a former member who sued the golf club.
Dozens of members say the club is violating their contract by refusing to pay back their $24,000 plus deposit after retiring.
NBC2 previously highlighted seniors who felt they were being ripped of by the golf club.
“I feel very vindicated,” Louis Ruggiero, Jr. told NBC2.
Ruggiero, Jr. helped his parents bring a lawsuit against CH3, the company that owns the golf course.
“When the time came we would take immediate legal action which we did,” Ruggiero, Jr. said.
His parents, Louis and Judith Ruggiero, resigned their membership after they could no longer play golf. They said the owners refused to give them their deposit back, claiming that a clause in the contract allowed them to change the terms without prior approval from members.
“It’s unjust. It’s unfair and it’s criminal,” Ruggiero, Jr. said.
His parents moved back to New Jersey to live with their son.
“We realized without that money and the things they were threatening me with, I couldn’t very well keep going on in Riverwood,” Ruggiero, Sr. said.
The judge’s decision gives the Ruggiero’s claim over their deposit, but it is still unclear when and how they will receive the money.
Because of the legal victory, other former members like Walt Powers are also considering filing a lawsuit against CH3.
“When they came and changed it, we thought you can’t do that,” Powers said.
It is unclear how many members might join the lawsuit, but the group has a list of 25 names of former members who say they did not get their deposit back from CH3.
Attempts by NBC2 to reach CH3 were unsuccessful.
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Pets are an important part of many households across Charlotte County . They bring companionship, joy, and comfort. However, even well-trained animals can behave unpredictably in certain situations. When a pet causes injury or property damage, the financial consequences can be significant — and many owners are unaware of potential gaps in their insurance coverage. Understanding animal liability coverage is an important step in protecting yourself, your family, and others in the community. What Is Animal Liability Coverage? Animal liability coverage provides protection if your pet injures someone or damages another person’s property. LESS THAN 5% OF HOMEOWONWERS INSURANCE POLICIES IN FLORIDA INCLUDE THIS COVERAGE! CARRIERS ALSO OFTEN EXLCUDE CERTAIN SPECIFIC BREEDS FROM COVERAGE! Without adequate coverage, a pet owner may be personally responsible for: Medical bills Lost wages Property damage Legal defense costs Why It Matters Here in Charlotte County Florida has a high number of pet-related injury claims, and Charlotte County is no exception. Under Florida law, dog owners are held strictly liable for bites and certain other injuries, even if the animal has no history of aggression. Because of this strict legal standard, animal-related incidents often result in costly claims. Having appropriate insurance helps ensure financial protection and peace of mind. Reviewing Your Policy If you own pets, you should review your homeowners insurance policy immediately and speak to your insurance agent to determine: Whether animal liability coverage is included Which breeds or scenarios may be excluded If coverage applies only at home or also off property (such as parks or walking trails) Whether additional coverage or a policy endorsement is available If your current plan excludes your pet or provides limited protection, supplemental coverage should be purchased immediately. Responsible Ownership & Preventative Measures In addition to confirming insurance coverage, responsible steps can help reduce the likelihood of an incident: Secure fencing and gates Leashes when outside the home Training and socialization Following Charlotte County pet ordinances These measures help promote safety and may support a defense if an incident occurs. If a Pet-Related Injury Occurs If you or a loved one is injured by someone else’s pet, or if your pet is involved in an incident, it’s important to take appropriate steps: Seek medical attention if needed Document the scene Gather witness information Report the incident if required The attorneys at Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A. represent individuals in pet-related injury matters throughout Charlotte County and can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and options. Protecting Charlotte County Families Pets enrich our lives, but preparation matters. Reviewing insurance coverage and understanding Florida’s liability laws can help protect your financial security and your community. If you have questions regarding a pet-related injury or potential claim, contact us at (941) 625-6666 or visit www.gtslawfirm.com for a free consultation.
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