PITTSBURGH — A couple claim the wife suffered a fall down an escalator at the Pittsburgh International Airport due to a defective handrail.
Pamela Sopher and Richard L. Sopher filed a complaint May 2, 2022, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Schindler Elevator Corporation and Allegheny County Airport Authority alleging negligence and liability.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, Pamela Sopher was at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Feb. 19, 2021, to get a departing flight to Florida. The plaintiffs allege as she ascended down the escalator to get to her gate, the handrail of the escalator "lurched forward" and caused her to lose her balance.
They claim as a result of her fall, Pamela Sopher suffered a tibial fracture, femur fracture, injury to her knee joint and other injuries. The plaintiffs claim Schindler, who provided and maintained control of the escalator, was negligent for failing to inspect and repair the hazardous condition and installing and maintaining the escalator in an unsafe and dangerous manner.
They allege the Allegheny County Airport Authority's negligence for failing to warn of the danger or use barricades to prevent use of the escalator and failing to train its employees, agents and servants on servicing and keeping the escalator safe for invitees. The plaintiffs also claim Pamela Sopher incurred medical expenses, disfigurement and impairment due to her fall off the escalator.
The Sophers seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Erin Rudert of Ainsman Levine LLC in Pittsburgh.