A fire that destroyed a barn and its contents has sparked a legal battle in Palm Beach County, Florida. On October 30, 2025, Keith and Teresa Wrigley filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit against Richards Fun Zone, Inc., Richard Auster, and Brian Nelson. The plaintiffs allege that negligence on the part of the defendants led to the catastrophic incident.
The Wrigleys, residents of Palm Beach County, purchased a new golf cart from Richards Fun Zone on January 7, 2025. However, on June 23, 2025, while stored in their barn in Jupiter, Florida, the golf cart spontaneously ignited. The resulting fire consumed not only the barn but also its contents and caused significant damage to surrounding property. According to the complaint, Richards Fun Zone and its representatives failed to warn about potential risks associated with the golf cart’s electrical systems. “Failing to warn or adequately warn Plaintiffs that the Golf Cart posed a foreseeable risk of fire,” is one of several accusations leveled against them.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages for negligence under Florida common law against all defendants: Richards Fun Zone for failing to ensure product safety; Richard Auster for neglecting his duty as owner; and Brian Nelson for his role as salesman. Each defendant is accused of failing to implement proper testing and quality control measures that could have identified defects before sale. The lawsuit claims these failures directly resulted in substantial financial losses due to demolition costs and replacement expenses.
In addition to negligence claims, the Wrigleys accuse Auster and Nelson of negligent misrepresentation. They allege both individuals made false assurances regarding the safety and condition of the golf cart prior to purchase. These representations were purportedly relied upon by the plaintiffs when deciding to buy and store it on their property.
Furthermore, Richards Fun Zone faces allegations of strict liability for placing a defective product into commerce without adequate safeguards or warnings. The company is also charged with breaching contractual obligations by delivering a golf cart that was neither merchantable nor fit for its intended purpose.
The plaintiffs demand judgment favoring them along with compensatory damages covering interest and costs incurred due to this incident—amounts which will be determined at trial proceedings yet unscheduled.
Represented by attorneys Jesse N. Bernheim and Dor Schwartz from Bernheim Kelley Battista LLC based out of Fort Lauderdale—the case bears ID number 502025CA011353XXXAMB Div: AN—and awaits assignment before judges within Palm Beach County’s jurisdictional purview.
Source: 502025CA011353XXXAMB_Keith_Wrigley_v_Richards_Fun_Zone_Complaint_Palm_Beach_County_Florida.pdf
