A Pittsburgh resident is suing two companies for severe injuries sustained due to a hazardous sidewalk condition. Raymond Eddy filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on November 7, 2023, against 300-302 Butler Street LLC and People’s Natural Gas Company.
According to the lawsuit, Eddy was attempting to enter a parked vehicle outside a multifamily property at 300-302 Butler Street when he stepped on an unsecured gas cap cover labeled "Equitable." The cover flipped open, causing his heel to get caught in the hole and resulting in catastrophic injuries. Eddy, who had recently undergone an amputation of his right leg and was using a walker, fell and sustained severe damage to his left foot. The complaint states that this incident led to multiple surgeries, infections, and ultimately the amputation of his left leg below the knee.
Eddy's attorney, Laura R. Signorelli from Morgan & Morgan Philadelphia PLLC, argues that both defendants were negligent in maintaining the sidewalk area. "At all times relevant," she asserts, "Plaintiff acted carefully and non-negligently," emphasizing that Eddy was lawfully present on the premises. The lawsuit claims that both Butler Street LLC and People’s Natural Gas Company failed to secure the gas cap cover properly or provide adequate warnings about its dangerous condition.
The plaintiff contends that these failures constitute breaches of duty under Pennsylvania law. Specifically, the complaint lists numerous points of negligence against both defendants: failing to maintain safe walking surfaces, not providing sufficient warnings or barriers around hazardous areas, and neglecting regular inspections that could have identified and rectified the danger. Furthermore, it alleges that People’s Natural Gas Company visited the site post-incident to repair the gas cap cover valve but did not take prior necessary precautions.
Eddy seeks compensatory damages exceeding Allegheny County's arbitration limits for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, impairment of earning capacity, and other related costs. Additionally, he requests punitive damages for what he describes as gross negligence by both defendants.
Representing Eddy is Laura R. Signorelli from Morgan & Morgan Philadelphia PLLC.