Woman says elevator doors slammed on her

WHEELING - A Marshall County couple is suing two companies over an alleged incident where elevator doors shut prematurely.

Susan and Douglas McAfee filed suit Sept. 7 in Ohio Circuit Court against Ohio Valley Medical Center, Otis Elevator Co. and three John Does, alleging Susan sustained injuries as she attempted to exit an elevator at Ohio Valley Medical Center.

She says that around noon on Nov. 23, 2004, she was leaving an elevator in the center's East Building when "the doors of the elevator prematurely closed, thereby striking Plaintiff… and knocking hero ff balance and causing her to be injured."

The three John Does are workers contracted to maintain the elevator.

She claims the defendants were negligent for failing to repair and maintain the elevator and warn users of its dangers.

"As a direct and proximate result of the acts of the defendants… Plaintiff Susan McAfee was caused to be injured in and about her shoulder, leg, back, neck, arm, head, body, body chemistry and psyche," the complaint says.

It adds that her medical bills have so far totaled $117,198.93, and she has lost $2,009.31 in wages.

Douglas McAfee says he has lost the consortium and services of his wife.

Wheeling attorney Robert P. Fitzsimmons is representing McAfee.

Judge Martin Gaughan has been assigned the case.

Ohio Circuit Court case number 06-C-322