In a compelling legal battle unfolding in Pinellas County, Florida, a resident has filed a lawsuit against her condominium association following a traumatic incident involving malfunctioning property equipment. Pamela Lawson lodged the complaint on November 7, 2025, at the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, targeting Mansions-By-The-Sea Association, Inc., as the defendant.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on May 21, 2024, when Lawson was struck by a barrier gate arm while riding her bicycle through the parking lot of her residence at Mansions By The Sea condominiums. According to the complaint, as Lawson approached the gatehouse to exit the parking lot, the barrier gate arm unexpectedly dropped and hit her forcefully on the head. This incident resulted in severe bodily injuries for Lawson. The plaintiff asserts that she was lawfully present on the premises and that Mansions-By-The-Sea Association owed her a duty of care to ensure her safety.
Lawson’s complaint accuses Mansions-By-The-Sea Association of negligence and premises liability. She alleges that the association failed in several critical areas: maintaining safe conditions on their property, adequately inspecting and repairing potentially hazardous equipment like barrier gate arms, and warning residents about any known dangers. The plaintiff further claims that there were prior incidents involving dangerous conditions at this location which were not timely addressed by the defendant’s employees. “Defendant breached its duty by negligently failing to maintain or adequately maintain the barrier gate arms,” reads one part of Lawson’s detailed allegations.
As a result of these alleged oversights, Lawson suffered significant physical and emotional trauma including pain and suffering, permanent scarring, mental anguish, and loss of earning capacity. She argues that these damages are either permanent or ongoing and will continue to affect her life in future years.
Lawson is seeking compensation exceeding $50,000 for these damages along with interest and court costs. Her legal representation has demanded a jury trial to resolve all triable issues related to this case.
Representing Pamela Lawson is Joseph A. Kopacz from Morgan & Morgan P.A., based in Palm Harbor, Florida. The case has been assigned Case Number 25-006296-CI.
Source: 25006296CI_Pamela_Lawson_v_Masions_by_the_Seat_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
