A Pittsburgh woman has filed a lawsuit against two local residents, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries. Rachel Bupp filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on July 15, 2024, naming Julie Holtz and Thomas Roe as defendants.
According to the complaint, Bupp was delivering a package for her employer, JMP Logistics, at the defendants' property located at 961 McNeilly Road on January 21, 2024. As she walked along a pathway leading to the back of the house, she slipped on an untreated patch of ice and fell. The fall resulted in significant injuries including a left hip fracture and severe shock to her nervous system. "The incident was caused by the negligence and carelessness of the defendants," reads the complaint.
Bupp's legal team argues that Holtz and Roe failed in their duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. They allege that both defendants neglected basic safety measures such as timely clearing ice and snow from walkways or pre-treating areas prone to icing. "Defendants carelessly allowed the premises to be kept in a dangerous condition for a prolonged period," states one section of the complaint.
The lawsuit outlines several specific accusations against Holtz and Roe: failing to inspect their property adequately, not recognizing hazardous conditions like ice patches promptly, neglecting to provide safety warnings for individuals lawfully on their premises, and failing to ensure safe traversal of their property. Bupp contends that these lapses directly led to her accident and subsequent injuries.
As a result of her fall, Bupp claims she has endured severe pain and suffering that have affected her ability to engage in usual activities. She also anticipates ongoing medical expenses for treatment related to her injuries. Furthermore, Bupp asserts that she may suffer long-term impacts such as loss of earning power and permanent disfigurement or scarring.
Bupp is seeking judgment against both Holtz and Roe individually for amounts exceeding $50,000 each. Her legal representation from Swartz Culleton PC includes attorneys Anthony J. Giannetti and Adam D. Shorr.
The case will be presided over by judges from the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County under Case ID GD No., with jury trial demanded.