A Palm Beach County couple has filed a lawsuit against a local property owners’ association, a property management company, and an individual resident, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries. Susan Helmke and George Helmke initiated the legal action on October 17, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida. The defendants named in the complaint are Egret Landing Property Owners’ Association, Inc., Campbell Property Management and Real Estate, Inc., and Diane Marie Testa.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on October 23, 2023, when Susan Helmke was visiting a property located at or near 1059 Lakeshore Drive in Jupiter, Palm Beach County. According to the complaint, while traversing the premises as an invitee, Susan tripped over what is described as “an improper change in elevation” on the flooring. This hazardous condition allegedly caused her to fall and sustain severe and permanent injuries. The plaintiffs argue that this dangerous condition was known or should have been known by all three defendants—Egret Landing Property Owners’ Association (Egret Landing), Campbell Property Management (Campbell), and Diane Marie Testa—but none took appropriate measures to rectify it or warn visitors.
The Helmkes’ lawsuit claims that Egret Landing had a non-delegable duty of care towards invitees to ensure their safety from hazardous conditions. They accuse Egret Landing of failing to maintain safe premises by not correcting or warning about the dangers posed by the defective flooring. Similarly, Campbell is accused of breaching its duty of care as the property management company responsible for overseeing safety standards at the location. Lastly, Diane Marie Testa is alleged to have neglected her responsibility as someone who leased or was otherwise in possession of the premises.
As a result of these alleged failures by each defendant to uphold their duties of care, Susan Helmke reportedly suffered significant physical harm including permanent scarring and loss of bodily functions. The complaint details various consequences such as extreme pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages due to diminished earning capacity, and ongoing medical expenses. Additionally, George Helmke claims loss of consortium due to his wife’s injuries affecting their marital relationship.
The plaintiffs seek judgment against each defendant for damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of fees and costs. They request compensation for actual damages incurred as well as any other relief deemed appropriate by law. Furthermore, they demand a jury trial on all issues so triable.
Representing Susan and George Helmke are attorneys H Ross Zelnick and Miguel Amador from Ginnis Krathen & Zelnick PA based in Fort Lauderdale. The case is presided over under Case Number: 502025CA010799XXXAMB Div: AA.
Source: 502025CA010799XXXAMB_Susan_Helmke_v_Egret_Landing_Complaint_Palm_Beach_County_Florida..pdf
