A Pittsburgh resident is suing multiple entities after a dangerous fall on their property left him with severe injuries. Alter Howard III filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on October 9, 2023, against Ebenezer Towers Apartments, Ebenezer Development Corporation, and the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority.
According to the court documents, Howard was assisting a friend who resides at Ebenezer Towers by carrying groceries to her apartment when he encountered a defective water drain cover on the property. The cover was rusted and not properly secured, causing Howard to fall head-first into a ten-foot hole. The incident resulted in serious injuries including a fractured spinal cord and tailbone, severe pain, swelling, bruising, scarring, and disfigurement. "The grate covering was rusted and not properly secured," states the complaint. "Plaintiff heard the grate 'pop' and felt himself fall through."
Howard's attorney, Laura R. Signorelli of Morgan & Morgan Philadelphia PLLC, asserts that both Ebenezer Development Corp. and Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority failed in their duty to maintain safe premises for residents and visitors. The lawsuit claims that these entities were negligent in several ways: failing to maintain or inspect the grate cover adequately; failing to warn about its dangerous condition; and failing to correct the hazardous situation despite knowing or having enough time to know about it.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding arbitration limits for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earnings capacity, mental anguish, permanent disfigurement, and other related costs. Howard argues that his injuries have led to significant physical impairment and emotional distress that will continue indefinitely.
The case is being overseen by Judge [Judge's Name] under Case ID [Case Number]. Representing Howard is attorney Laura R. Signorelli from Morgan & Morgan Philadelphia PLLC.