Escalator injury results in suit against mall, J.C. Penney and Schindler Elevator

A woman claims she was injured after she fell while attempting to step off an escalator.

On April 9, Janice Lara filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court against Alton Square Mall, J.C. Penney, store manager John Pamnullo and Schindler Elevator Corporation.

Lara says she went to the mall on Aug. 3, 2007, to shop, walk and purchase retail goods, but while there, she fell and was injured as she was going down an escalator when it caught her foot.

According to the complaint, Lara injured her left foot and leg during the fall, incurred medical expenses and experienced disability. She also says she lost wages and experienced pain and suffering.

The defendants were negligent by constructing escalators in an unsafe condition, by allowing the escalator to be broken and by failing to repair the escalator, according to the complaint.

In the four-count complaint, Lara is seeking a judgment in excess of $200,000, plus costs.

Doug Mendenhall of Smith, Mendenhall and Selby in Alton will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-364.