Case Background
Lisa Pousson sued Lianna Angrisani, now known as Lianna D'Andrea, after a golf cart accident in Delaware. The amended complaint also named four entities connected to the Resort at Massey's Landing and its golf carts. The case proceeded in the Superior Court of Delaware. The Court approved an amended caption reflecting D'Andrea's current last name in March 2025.
Pousson alleged that she rode in the rear of an EZ-GO golf cart operated by D'Andrea on September 4, 2021. The cart traveled within the Massey's Landing campground and RV park. She alleged that D'Andrea lost control while making a U-turn at excessive speed. She claimed the maneuver ejected her from the cart.
Sun Communities admitted in its answer that it owned the premises at the relevant times. Pousson named the property manager as Blue Water Development Corporation, LLC. It answered as Blue Water Hospitality Management, LLC, stating it had been incorrectly named. Blue Water admitted its property manager role and that South Jersey Electric Vehicles leased golf carts to the resort.
Massey's Landing was dismissed without prejudice by stipulation in November 2023. South Jersey Electric Vehicles was dismissed the same way in November 2024. The case proceeded to trial against D'Andrea, Sun Communities, and Blue Water Hospitality Management.
Cause
Pousson alleged that D'Andrea drove carelessly and failed to maintain control. She also alleged that D'Andrea failed to maintain a proper lookout. The complaint further alleged inadequate attention and disregard for roadway conditions.
Pousson also alleged that the resort Defendants failed to properly train and supervise golf cart operators. She claimed they knew members of D'Andrea's party presented a safety risk.
The complaint described an earlier golf cart incident involving a "young man" associated with D'Andrea's vacation party. Pousson alleged that resort employees reported reckless driving and suspected intoxication. She further alleged that employees warned the party and removed its golf carts.
Pousson additionally alleged alcohol consumption before the accident. She claimed resort personnel allowed D'Andrea to operate a golf cart after consuming alcohol.
Injury
Pousson alleged that the ejection caused significant bodily injuries. The complaint alleged injuries affecting multiple parts of her body.
Dr. Steven D. Grossinger evaluated Pousson and issued a narrative report dated May 13, 2025. He attributed a traumatic brain injury and postconcussive syndrome to the golf cart incident. He also noted related cognitive disturbance, balance dysfunction, and mood changes.
Dr. Grossinger further attributed a left orbital fracture, a left humerus fracture, and a left shoulder injury to the incident. He also identified cervical and lumbar spine injuries with disc abnormalities and radiculopathy. He described these injuries as permanent.
His report noted that the hospital initially diagnosed a nasal fracture with collapsed cartilage. The hospital also diagnosed a left hip muscle tear and a left knee injury.
Neuropsychological testing showed moderate to severe impairments in visual memory, processing speed, psychomotor speed, working memory, and verbal retrieval. However, the neuropsychologist felt the results likely did not validly reflect her cognitive abilities. The neuropsychologist cited interference from her concussion, physical problems, and emotional distress.
Dr. Sanford H. Davne, an orthopedic surgeon, examined Pousson on February 26, 2025. His report, dated April 2, 2025, attributed a left proximal humerus fracture to the fall. He also attributed adhesive capsulitis and avascular necrosis of the left humeral head to the incident.
Dr. Davne linked a December 3, 2021 fall onto a couch to her concussion and vestibular issues. He attributed an L4-5 disc herniation, lumbar radiculopathy, and failed back surgery syndrome to that fall.
Damages
Pousson claimed ongoing medical expenses and future medical care. The amended complaint also sought lost wages. However, at her March 2024 deposition, her counsel stated that she was not making a wage loss claim. The complaint further sought compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Dr. Grossinger's report referenced a Rawling's lien listing $53,595.23 in medical expenses. The exhibits also contained multiple treatment and billing records.
Dr. Grossinger estimated approximately $3,000 annually for medications and related follow-up. He estimated $6,000 per area for cervical and lumbar injections, given in series of three each year. He also estimated $2,400 annually for each physical modality, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
Dr. Davne estimated Pousson's future medical care at approximately $250,000. He also opined that she would eventually require a total shoulder arthroplasty.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Lisa Pousson
Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Michael P. Minuti
Defendant(s): Lianna D'Andrea | Sun Communities, Inc. | Blue Water Hospitality Management, LLC
Counsel for Defendant(s): Daniel P. Bennett | Paul A. Bradley | Donald R. Kinsley | Sarah B. Cole | Nancy C. Cobb | Onofrio deGennaro | Antoinette D. Hubbard
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
The amended complaint asserted ten counts. The first two counts alleged negligence per se and negligence against D'Andrea.
Counts III and IV alleged negligence against Sun Communities and Massey's Landing. Count IV focused on the alleged service and consumption of alcohol before golf cart operation.
Count V alleged negligence against Blue Water. Count VI alleged negligence against South Jersey Electric Vehicles. Those counts focused on oversight, training, supervision, maintenance, and golf cart operations.
Counts VII through IX alleged negligent entrustment against Sun Communities, Massey's Landing, Blue Water, and South Jersey Electric Vehicles. Count X alleged premises liability against Sun Communities and Massey's Landing.
Defense
D'Andrea denied that her conduct caused Pousson's injuries. She admitted operating the golf cart with Pousson as a passenger. She also admitted that Pousson fell from the rear of the cart.
D'Andrea disputed Pousson's alleged exercise of due care. She asserted contributory negligence based on Pousson's conduct as a passenger. She also raised mitigation, intervening causes, and third-party conduct. She further asserted that Pousson assumed the risk by being extremely intoxicated at the time.
D'Andrea admitted that she was served and consumed alcoholic beverages at the resort before approximately 2:00 PM. She denied that the "young man" from the earlier incident belonged to her vacation party. Her answer stated, upon information and belief, that he was Pousson's son. She also denied receiving any warning from resort staff.
Sun Communities and Blue Water similarly denied wrongful conduct and causation. Their defenses included assumption of risk, failure to mitigate, contributory negligence, and intervening or superseding causes.
South Jersey Electric Vehicles initially denied responsibility for the golf cart's operation and challenged jurisdiction. It was later dismissed without prejudice by stipulation in November 2024.
Jury Verdict
The jury returned its verdict on July 28, 2026. The verdict form named three Defendants: Lianna D'Andrea, Sun Communities, Inc., and Blue Water Hospitality Management, LLC.
The first question asked whether D'Andrea was negligent in a manner proximately causing injury to Pousson. The jury answered No.
The second question addressed Sun Communities and Blue Water Hospitality Management together. It asked whether they were negligent in a manner proximately causing injury to Pousson. The jury again answered No.
The verdict form instructed the jury not to answer further questions if both answers were No. The remaining questions addressed contributory negligence, fault allocation, and damages. The jury did not reach those questions.
Pousson received no damages award. The verdict form was electronically filed on August 4, 2026.
Court Documents:
Documents are available for purchase upon request at [email protected]
