A local resident has filed a lawsuit against multiple entities for their alleged negligence in maintaining a road, which led to severe injuries. Euphrosyne Schwartz filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County on January 14, 2023, naming Riggs Distler & Company, Inc., Riggs Distler Gas, LLC, Upper Darby Township, PECO Energy Company, and an unidentified John/Jane Doe as defendants.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on January 14, 2023. Schwartz was walking along Lombardy Road in Upper Darby Township when she tripped and fell due to uneven blacktop and depressions on the road surface. According to the complaint, the defendants had conducted extensive excavation work on Lombardy Road approximately one year prior to the accident to replace gas lines. However, after completing the excavation, they allegedly performed a hasty and inadequate repair job on the road surface. "Fresh blacktop was piled on the road surface in large clumps with no apparent effort to properly flatten the surface," states Schwartz's complaint.
Schwartz asserts that despite complaints from residents about the hazardous condition of the road, no corrective actions were taken by either Upper Darby Township or Riggs Distler workers who were present at the site. As a result of this negligence, Schwartz suffered serious injuries including skin lacerations, deep cuts, abrasions, bumps and swelling on her face, right hand, right knee and trunk. She also sustained permanent scarring on her face.
The plaintiff accuses all defendants of failing to properly repair and maintain the road pavement for the entire length of Lombardy Road. The accusations include failing to hire competent agents or contractors for maintenance work and neglecting to inspect or respond to complaints about defects in the pavement. Schwartz claims that these failures directly resulted in her injuries and subsequent medical expenses.
In her lawsuit, Schwartz is seeking judgment against each defendant for damages exceeding $50,000 along with interest and costs of suit. She is also asking for compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of life's pleasures and other related expenses incurred due to her injuries.
Representing Euphrosyne Schwartz is attorney Margaret E. Quinlan from Lowenthal & Abrams PC law firm.