PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh woman claims her property manager and landlord were negligent in the operation of the water heater servicing her apartment, causing her to suffer third-degree burns when she went to take a shower.
Tanika L. Hancock filed suit in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on March 8 versus Judy Pison of New Kensington and Lockwood Management, LLC, of Export.
In March 2019, Hancock lived at 2006 Monroe Street, Apartment No. 1 located in Swissvale, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania 15218. 4 5. Ms. Hancock’s apartment was owned and operated by Lockwood Management LLC 6. At that time, Judy Pison, was the property manager of 2006 #1 Monroe Street
“On March 26, 2019, Hancock turned on her shower to a normal temperature setting. Maintenance had been performing work on water heater units in Hancock’s apartment building in the days leading up to March 26, 2019. Hancock entered the shower and stood under the shower head, and remained in the shower for a short time before she noticed severe burning to her left side,” the suit states.
“As she felt the burning sensation, Hancock exited the shower and went to lay on her bed. Hancock then noticed that the skin on her upper left arm began to bubble and fall off.”
In going to the emergency department of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Shadyside Hospital, Hancock learned the extent of her injuries.
“At UPMC Shadyside, it was determined that Hancock had burns covering five percent of her body, including significant burns to her upper left arm and left flank as a result of the hot shower water. Hancock’s upper left arm and chest wall had sustained second-degree burns, while Hancock’s left trunk had sustained third-degree burns,” per the suit.
“Whenever water surpasses 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it can cause substantial burns. The American Burn Association states that hot water can cause third-degree burns in one second at 156 degrees Fahrenheit, in two seconds at 149 degrees Fahrenheit, in five seconds at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and in 15 seconds at 133 degrees Fahrenheit. Hancock’s wounds were found to be likely caused from her coming in contact with a scalding liquid.”
Hancock underwent multiple burn wound excisions and skin grafts, requiring dressing changes and increased medications to cope with the pain. Currently, the suit says she continues to suffer from the effects of the incident and requires home health care due to ongoing issues with mobility of her left arm.
For a lone count of negligence, the plaintiff is seeking compensatory and consequential damages in excess of the jurisdictional arbitration limits, together with interest, costs of suit, any other relief this Honorable Court deems appropriate to recover for which this suit is filed and a trial by jury.
The plaintiff is represented by Adam P. Murdock of Robert Peirce & Associates, in Pittsburgh.
The defendants have not yet secured legal counsel.
Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas case GD-21-001943
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nick.malfitano@therecordinc.com