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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hospital files complaint against elevator company after woman's fall

Clark

Behr

Gateway Regional Medical Center has filed a third party complaint against an elevator company in response to a suit the hospital faces by a woman who says she fell because an elevator stopped six inches short of a landing.

The hospital sued Advanced elevator company on May 25.

Theresa Paschedag claims she was visiting Gateway Regional Medical Center on Dec. 4, 2009, when she attempted to step off an elevator when the elevator stopped higher than the floor, causing Paschedag to fall as she exited, according to the complaint filed Oct. 14 in Madison County Circuit Court.

According to Gateway Regional Medical Center's third party complaint, any alleged defect in the elevator or any alleged failure to inspect or maintain the elevator which caused the plaintiff's alleged injuries would be attributable to Advanced's breach of its duty to repair services for the elevators on Gateway Regional's premises pursuant to the elevator maintenance agreement.

Gateway Regional denies liability for the damages in the plaintiff's complaint. If Gateway Regional is found liable to the plaintiff for the defects in the operation of the elevator, then it would be entitled to contribution from Advanced in an amount proportionate to its fault and liability to the plaintiff pursuant to the Illinois Contribution Among Joint Tortfeasors Act, the hospital claims.

Because of her fall, Paschedag sustained severe injuries, was hindered in her usual duties and affairs and incurred medical costs, the suit states. In addition, she lost wages, the complaint says.

Paschedag blames Gateway for causing her injuries, saying it negligently failed to provide a safe walking area, failed to provide a safe exit from the elevator, allowed the elevator to become defective and failed to repair the elevator.

Paschedag is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000.

She is represented by Randall P. Steele of the Steele Law Offices in Glen Carbon.

Richard Behr and Jayson Clark of Behr, McCarter & Potter represent the defense.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-1056.

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