HUNTINGTON — Seven hotel guests are suing a Huntington hotel and an elevator equipment and service provider, alleging negligence and premises liability.
Donna Freeland individually and on behalf of her minor daughter, Haylei Evans, Doolarie Singh-Knights, Marlon Knights, individually and on behalf of their minor son, Amari Knights, Thomas D.Willis, Dusty D.Willis, Jackson W. Gerrard and Pauline Marie Gerrard filed a complaint May 14 in Cabell County Circuit Court against Pullman Hospitality LLC, doing business as Pullman Plaza Hotel, and the Murphy Elevator Company, alleging they were negligent in inspecting and/or providing proper maintenance of its elevators. The defendants allegedly were also negligent in giving notice to the hotel patrons about the elevator's dangerous condition.
According to the complaint, on July 14, 2017, the plaintiffs boarded the Pullman Plaza Hotel elevator on separate occasions. In all instances, the suit says, the lift malfunctioned as it abruptly dropped a few floors away from its current position, causing the plaintiffs' bodies to jolt. The plaintiffs say they suffered bodily injuries, severe emotional distress and medical expenses.
The plaintiffs allege Pullman Plaza Hotel and The Murphy Elevator Company allowed the defective operation of the hotel and its elevators, which posed a danger to its patrons.
The plaintiffs seek trial by jury, an amount sufficient to fully compensate for their injuries, including punitive damages, attorney fees and costs of suit. Additionally, the plaintiffs seek damages in excess of the jurisdictional minimums of the court. They are represented by attorneys Brian J. Headley, Jason S. Ballard and Jonathan K. Matthews, of Headley Ballard LLC in Pearisburg, Virginia, and by Brendan M. Doneghey of Charleston.
Cabell County Circuit Court case number 18-C-264