Schindler sued by woman who claims elevator forcefully dropped

NEW ORLEANS - A Jefferson Parish woman has filed a lawsuit against an elevator company claiming she suffered injuries when an elevator she was riding in suddenly dropped.

Mary Sharp filed suit against The Schindler Elevator Co. and XYZ Insurance Co. on Nov. 2, 2011 in Orleans Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on March 14.

The alleged incident occurred on Aug. 22, 2011 as Sharp was using the elevator of a building located on Poydras Street in New Orleans. She states that while she was on the elevator, it quickly descended and upon reaching the first floor it forcefully dropped, caught itself and then dropped again. Sharp claims she suffered cervical and spinal injuries due to the elevator accident.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to properly maintain and service the elevator system, failing to properly warn users of the elevator of its propensity to cause injury to people, for failing to properly monitor the condition and operation of the elevator and for failing to properly prevent use of the elevator as a result of this defective condition or operation.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, interest and court costs.

Sharp is represented by Vincent P. Scallan of The Caluda Law Firm in Metairie.

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-00705