A recent court filing reveals a dramatic incident involving an elevator malfunction that has led to a lawsuit against two companies. On August 6, 2024, Dylan McHugh filed a complaint in the Sixth Judicial Circuit in and for Pinellas County, Florida, against Pro Elevator Inspection LLC and Schindler Elevator Corp.

The lawsuit stems from an incident on March 27, 2022, at 10091 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL. McHugh alleges that while using an elevator on the premises owned and operated by the defendants, he experienced a sudden malfunction that caused the elevator to drop at high speed before coming to an abrupt stop. This unexpected jolt caused McHugh to lose his balance and fall backward, resulting in significant personal injuries.

According to the complaint, both Pro Elevator Inspection LLC and Schindler Elevator Corp had statutory duties and common law duties to ensure the safety of the elevator. The plaintiff accuses Schindler of multiple acts of negligence including failing to maintain or adequately maintain the elevator, creating hazards for guests like McHugh, failing to inspect or adequately inspect the elevator for potential hazards, and failing to correct known dangerous conditions. These omissions led directly to McHugh’s injuries which include pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent scarring, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, loss of earnings capacity, and aggravation of pre-existing conditions.