Otis Elevator sued over injuries related to abrupt stop

An employee of a Waterloo retirement home says she was hurt when the elevator she was riding in stopped suddenly.

Janet L. Layne filed a lawsuit April 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Otis Elevator.

Oak Hill Nursing Home bought two elevators from Otis Elevator in July 2007, the complaint states. The purchase agreement included a five-year service agreement for the elevators which covered maintenance, inspection and, if necessary, repair.

Layne says she worked for Oak Hill in May 2011 and was riding down in one of the elevators in the Magnolia Terrace area of the complex. At some point during the descent, Layne claims the elevator stopped abruptly, causing her to "slam against the side of the car and fall to the floor."

Layne accuses the elevator company of negligence for failing to properly maintain the elevator. She asks for more than $100,000 in damages for medical expenses and court costs.

Attorney Stephen C. Buser of Columbia represents Layne.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-222