College Dorm Elevator Crash Kills Student

Scott Smith — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 17:43:01 GMT

An Ohio State University college dormitory elevator did not brake properly causing it to crash resulting in the death of a college student. Andy Polakowski, attempted to exit the disabled open elevator door located in Stradley Hall when it fell crushing him to death between the opening of the door and the next floor.

Testing of the elevator October 24 revealed the brake system failed. Further testing also revealed five other campus elevators were defective and as a result were shut down. Due to the high incidence of defective elevators discovered, all 47 OSU dormitory elevators were to be tested. Experts opined even if the elevator was had too many people or was overloaded beyond the weight capacity, the elevator braking system was designed to keep the car from moving. Although the Stradley Hall elevator was presumably overloaded when it fell, the expert stated it would be nearly impossible to put enough people on a properly functioning elevator to make it move. Police Chief Rick Amweg said the students were not engaging in a prank nor was alcohol a contributing factor.

Review of OSU records reveal complaints about dormitory elevators was common on campus. From Oct. 1, 2005 to Sept. 3, 2006, six service calls were recorded to Stradley Hall for the same elevator that crushed Polakowski. The student's wrongful death is still under investigation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Scott Smith

Wal-Mart Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settled

Staff Writer — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:34:32 GMT

Megan Leann Holden was abducted and killed after she got off work at a Tyler, TX Wal-Mart in early 2005. A wrongful death lawsuit against the store was scheduled to go to trial Tuesday, but the company settled with the family before the case was heard by a jury.

Sheri Dunlap, Megan's mother, wants to see Wal-Mart parking lots everywhere become safer for shoppers and employees alike. Although a Wal-Mart surveillance video helped convict Williams of the crime, videos are used after the fact and are not preventative. It does not take much for a kidnapper to strike in the darker areas of any parking lot, but especially in large lots like at a Wal-Mart store.

An earlier lawsuit filed by Megan's parents against Wackenhut Security was settled for $1.3 million.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer - Wrongful Death

College Dorm Elevator Crash Kills Student

Wal-Mart Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settled