PHILADELPHIA - A Harrisburg man is suing Amtrak, alleging negligence on the carrier’s part in relation to a slip-and-fall accident he alleges happened to him on a train traveling from Harrisburg to Philadelphia in February 2018.
Attorney Pamela Van Blunk U.S. filed the lawsuit on behalf of plaintiff Johnnie V. Lassiter, Jr. in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, but Amtrak’s attorney has requested that it be moved to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, according to recent court documents.
According to the suit, Lassiter alleges that the day – February 18, 2018 – was either rainy or snowy. He alleges that he got up from his seat and made his way to the train’s restroom as it was pulling into the Philadelphia station.
In front of the restroom’s door, Lassiter alleges that there was a puddle that he “was caused to slip and fall on” despite “exercising due care and caution for his own safety.” He also alleges that a witness who was able to see the restroom entrance throughout the 1.5 hour train trip alleged that the puddle had been present throughout the journey, despite conductors having repeatedly entered and exited the train to collect tickets and call out stops.
The suit alleges that, as a result of his fall, Lassiter sustained a variety of injuries to his head, back, spine and limbs.
Lassiter is seeking a judgement in excess of $50,000, including delay damages, interest and costs.