A couple from Pittsburgh has filed a lawsuit against a vending machine company after an incident at a local high school left the husband with severe injuries. Jeffrey and Jennifer Laurenson lodged their complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on August 22, 2023, naming AVI Food Systems, Inc. as the defendant.
The lawsuit details that on August 22, 2023, Jeffrey Laurenson was at Brashear High School in Pittsburgh when he slipped and fell due to water leaking from a malfunctioning vending machine owned by AVI Food Systems. The complaint alleges that the vending machine had been neglected for proper service and repair for some time, creating a hazardous condition that led to Jeffrey's fall and subsequent right ankle fracture. "At all material times hereto, there were no warnings, notices, or barricades of any kind to protect customers from the dangerous conditions created by the slippery surface," the complaint states.
Following his fall, Jeffrey underwent a three-hour surgery to repair his fractured ankle. Despite medical intervention, he continues to experience significant disabilities that interfere with his daily activities. The plaintiffs claim that AVI Food Systems failed in its duty of care by not maintaining safe premises and neglecting necessary repairs and inspections of the vending machine. They also accuse the company of failing to warn the public about the unsafe conditions.
The Laurensons are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for each count in their complaint. They request compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income due to Jeffrey's inability to work, and other related costs. Additionally, Jennifer Laurenson is claiming loss of consortium due to her husband's injuries. She alleges that she has had to expend large sums on medical care and household help while being deprived of her husband's companionship and assistance.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Trent Echard, Matthew Marquette, and Paul Staub from Echard Marquette P.C., based in Allison Park, PA.