Pa. man blames Wheeling Island for fall on escalator

WHEELING - A Pennsylvania man has filed a suit against a West Virginia gambling facility, claiming he was injured while on the escalator.

Richard Marks, of New Castle, Pa., filed a suit May 14 in Ohio Circuit Court, against Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center.

Marks claims he was at the racetrack on May 14, 2005, when he got on the down escalator. The suit says the "claws of the escalator caught his right foot and yanked his feet from underneath of him, causing him to fall."

Marks sprained both of his feet, bruised his ribs, had a lumbar thoracic contusion, and bruised and strained both of his shoulders. As a result, he has to wear an ankle brace and undergo physical therapy.

According to the suit, the center should have posted signs, warning of the dangers of the escalator.

Marks, who is representing himself, seeks $25,000 for his damages. He demands a trial by jury.