A business invitee has filed a lawsuit against a hotel and an elevator company following a severe injury sustained on the premises. On July 9, 2024, Ercel Celestine Green filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against HHR Beach House, LLC d/b/a Beach House Suites and Otis Elevator Company.

The case revolves around an incident that occurred on July 31, 2023. According to the complaint, Green was using an elevator at Beach House Suites when it stopped inches below floor level, causing her to trip and fall while exiting. The plaintiff alleges that both defendants were negligent in maintaining the elevator and ensuring its safe operation. Green’s attorney argues that HHR Beach House Suites failed to provide a reasonably safe environment for its business invitees by not properly maintaining the elevator or warning about its hazardous condition. Similarly, Otis Elevator Company is accused of neglecting its duty to maintain and repair the elevator adequately.

The complaint details multiple breaches of duty by both defendants. For instance, HHR Beach House Suites is accused of failing to maintain the elevator in a safe condition, not warning guests about the dangerous situation, and allowing a malfunctioning elevator to remain in use. Otis Elevator Company is similarly charged with failing to ensure the elevator’s safety before permitting passengers to use it and not taking necessary actions like closing or repairing the faulty equipment.