PALM BEACH, FL — A woman has sued billionaire investor Nelson Peltz and his wife, Claudia Peltz, in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, alleging that their dog attacked and bit her at their oceanfront estate in the Town of Palm Beach late last year.
The civil complaint was filed July 10, 2026, in the 15th Judicial Circuit under Case No. 502026CA007732XXXAMB. The case has been assigned to Division AH.
Joy Ransom, identified in the filing as a Palm Beach County resident, is represented by attorney Max B. Blackman of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, P.A., based in West Palm Beach. The complaint identifies both Peltzes as Palm Beach County residents.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred December 23, 2025, at 548 N. County Road in Palm Beach, where the lawsuit says the Peltzes owned the property and were the owners of a dog named "Houdini," described in the filing as a Pit Bull or Pit Bull-mix.
The lawsuit alleges that Ransom was a "business invitee" who was legally on the property when Houdini "lunged at and bit and attacked" her. The filing does not describe the nature of her business at the estate.
The complaint alleges that Houdini had "a vicious nature, a vicious disposition, and/or had a propensity to attack" that was known or should have been known to the Peltzes. It also alleges that on at least one occasion before December 23, 2025, the dog had attacked or attempted to attack Ransom.
According to the complaint, the dog was not under any form of restraint or control on the day of the alleged attack and was in an area traveled by visitors.
The lawsuit points to another Palm Beach County civil case in support of its dangerous dog claim. The complaint states that on December 16, 2024, the Peltzes were sued by a plaintiff identified as Mileydis Morejon under Case No. 502024CA011826XXXAMB, after Houdini allegedly lunged and attempted to attack her, causing her to fall and sustain injuries.
The complaint alleges that despite the earlier incident, the Peltzes failed to report the dog's alleged dangerous propensities to animal control authorities and failed to obtain a certificate of registration under Florida's dangerous dog statute. It also alleges they failed to have Houdini permanently identified by microchip and failed to keep the dog muzzled and restrained outside a proper enclosure.
The lawsuit brings two counts. Count I alleges common law negligence, claiming the Peltzes breached a duty to keep visitors safe by failing to restrain, confine, train, or supervise their dog. Count II alleges negligence per se, citing violations of Florida Statute §767.12, the state's dangerous dog statute. The complaint also cites Florida Statute §767.01, which provides that dog owners "shall be liable for any damage done by their dogs to a person."
Ransom is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, exclusive of interest and costs, along with costs, interest, and other relief the court deems appropriate. According to the complaint, she suffered bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of earnings, and impairment of earning capacity. The filing alleges the injuries are either permanent or continuing in nature.
The plaintiff has demanded a jury trial.
The North County Road property is in the incorporated Town of Palm Beach, a separate municipality from West Palm Beach and other Palm Beach County jurisdictions.
The filing reviewed by Boca Post does not include a response from the defendants. The allegations have not been proven in court.
From HOA disputes and injury claims to business litigation and property-related cases, Boca Post covers selected civil filings through its Palm Beach County Lawsuits section.
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