A shocking elevator malfunction at a prominent Houston building has led to a lawsuit that could see damages exceeding $250,000. On November 15, 2024, Viridiana Salame Sainz and Mauricio Grajales Tarin filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against Unilev Management Corp., Tejas Elevator Company — Houston, Inc., and ABEL Elevator Inspection Services LLC. The plaintiffs allege negligence after experiencing a terrifying incident in an elevator at Galleria Tower I.
The plaintiffs recount the harrowing event that occurred on April 15, 2024. As they descended from the 22nd floor in elevator #7, it abruptly stopped, shook violently, and then plummeted several floors before coming to an unexpected halt. This traumatic experience left them in shock and raised immediate safety concerns about the elevator's operation. Upon reporting the incident to building management, they learned that similar issues had been reported previously but not addressed adequately.
According to the lawsuit, Unilev Management Corp., as the operator of Galleria Tower I, failed its duty of care by not warning users about the faulty elevator or taking it out of service despite knowing its risks. The complaint accuses Unilev of negligence per se for violating Texas Health and Safety Code Sections 754.019(a)(1) and 754.019(0), which are intended to protect individuals like the plaintiffs from such hazards.
Similarly, Tejas Elevator Company is charged with failing to maintain and monitor the elevators properly, while ABEL Elevator Inspection Services LLC is accused of inadequate inspection practices. Both companies allegedly continued allowing access to an elevator they knew was dangerous without implementing necessary safety measures or warnings.
The plaintiffs are seeking monetary relief over $250,000 but not more than $1 million for personal injuries sustained due to these alleged negligent actions. They demand compensation for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, loss of earnings capacity, disfigurement, impairment, medical expenses, and punitive damages due to gross negligence.
Representing the plaintiffs is attorney Sydney Womack from Womack Law Office PLLC. The case has been assigned Case ID No. 2024-80600 under Judge Wanda Chambers in Harris County's judicial district court.