A harrowing elevator malfunction at a Boca Raton hotel has led to a lawsuit seeking over $50,000 in damages. On July 18, 2024, Cynthia Panara filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida against AVR Boca Center Hotel LLC, operating as Marriott Boca Raton at Boca Center.

According to the court documents, Panara alleges that on the night of April 22/23, 2023, she was trapped in an elevator at the Marriott Boca Raton. The elevator reportedly stopped abruptly on the 12th floor with its doors refusing to open and then lost power. It subsequently began moving erratically before dropping and jerking violently several times until it finally halted on the 7th floor. Panara claims this incident caused her significant injuries including pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, and medical expenses.

The plaintiff argues that AVR Boca Center Hotel LLC failed in its duty to maintain the premises safely for guests. The complaint outlines multiple accusations of negligence: failing to properly maintain or inspect the elevator, not warning guests about potential dangers, and not correcting known hazardous conditions. “Defendant knew or through reasonable care should have known that said Premises were unreasonably dangerous,” states Panara’s filing.