GALVESTON - Claiming he fell inside an elevator at a University of Texas Medical Branch facility a few months ago, Houston resident Ernest Frazier has filed suit against the hospital and Otis Elevator Co.
According to court documents filed Feb. 1 in Galveston County District Court, Frazier suffered "serious" injuries when he went to UTMB to visit his daughter, who was about to deliver a baby on Nov. 24, 2011.
Frazier says the elevator's doors, which are serviced and maintained by Otis, suddenly closed and caused him to fall.
"The plaintiff was injured due to the elevator malfunctioning," the original petition says.
UTMB is blamed for failing to provide a safe environment, failing to inspect the elevator and maintaining a dangerous condition on its property while Otis is faulted for failing to adequately maintain said elevator, failing to insure its safety and failing to conduct proper tests and inspections.
Frazier consequently sues for medical care and expenses, physical pain and suffering, disfigurement, impairment, mental anguish and lost wages.
A jury trial is requested.
The Weycer Law Firm is representing the complainant, and Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia is presiding over the case.
Case No. 12-cv-146