PITTSBURGH — A Kittanning are suing Otis Elevator Co. and United Technologies Corp., citing alleged breach of warranty and negligence.
Janet J. and Charles E. John filed a complaint on Jan. 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against the defendants, alleging they failed to exercise reasonable care to discover the dangerous condition of the elevator.
According to the complaint, on Jan. 31, 2017, Janet John was a passenger on an elevator at Armstrong County Health Center when the back door suddenly closed and the elevator dropped violently in a jerking motion.
She claims she suffered a displaced transcondylar fracture of the right humerus requiring surgical repair with hardware. Charles John alleges he has been deprived of the services and companionship of his wife. The plaintiffs hold Otis Elevator Co. and United Technologies Corp. responsible because the defendants allegedly failed to properly inspect, maintain and repair the subject elevator and failed to provide adequate warning its door might suddenly close and drop violently with passengers aboard.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against defendants, court costs, interest and all other relief as allowed by law. They are represented by Jesse Drumm and Richard Manilla of Friday & Cox LLC in Pittsburgh.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania Case No. is 2:19-cv-00067-AJS.