A Penn Hills couple is suing a subsidiary business of Emerson Inc., alleging serious injuries the wife sustained while working on the premises of one of its business units.
Lynndora Smith-Holmes and Franklin Holmes of Penn Hills filed a lawsuit Aug. 17 in U.S. District for the Western District of Pennsylvania against Emerson Inc., doing business as Emerson Process Management, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 28, 2014, Smith-Holmes was working as an employee of OMEX of Greater Pittsburgh and her duties were to provide cleaning services at a client location owned and operated by the defendant. The suit says she was knocked to the ground when a large electrical panel box on a wall in the office area suddenly dislodged and fell on top of her.
Following the accident, the suit states, the plaintiff was taken to a trauma hospital and had to undergo extensive medical treatment including spinal surgery. The lawsuit states the defendant failed to ensure the electrical box and panel were securely in place, as well as failing to warn individuals of the dangerous condition.
Smith-Holmes says she has and will continue to endure pain and discomfort, lost wages, the inability to partake in her usual daily activities, loss of life's pleasures, and medical and other financial expenses. Franklin Holmes alleges, as a result of the accident, he has and will continue to suffer many losses including loss of consortium, society and affection of his wife.
The plaintiffs seek damages of more than $75,000, plus court costs and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. They are represented by attorney Francis M. Moore of Mansmann & Moore in Pittsburgh.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case number 2:15-cv-01081-MRH.