Published on: November 17, 2025, 06:46h.
Updated on: November 17, 2025, 06:46h.
- Couple Files Lawsuit Following Severe Injury from Six-Story Elevator Drop at Borgata
- Legal Complaint Accuses Negligence in Elevator Maintenance
- Past Cases Indicate Responsibility for Elevator Maintenance Negligence
A Pennsylvania couple has reported serious physical, emotional, and financial harm after an elevator at Borgata, Atlantic City, plunged violently six stories. The elevator stalled for 25 minutes with the couple trapped inside, resulting in significant injuries, according to a recent legal complaint.
Willis and Ellen Barrett from Bethlehem, PA, have initiated a lawsuit against MGM Resorts, the Borgata’s owner, and Otis Elevator Company in New Jersey’s federal court.
The plaintiffs assert that the defendants were obliged to maintain the elevator in a safe manner, including proper design, installation, inspection, repair, and warning of any hazardous conditions to guests.
Severe Injuries Experienced
The couple were at the casino on November 30, 2023, when they experienced the rapid descent from the 42nd floor to the 36th floor, as outlined in their legal filing.
This traumatic incident led to various injuries, including shoulder and back pain, headaches, bruising, and long-term impairments such as sensory and motor function loss, diminished range of motion, balance issues while standing or walking, and an unstable gait.
Additionally, they claim to suffer from chronic pain, cosmetic damage such as scarring, potential bone misalignment, all necessitating ongoing medical care and anticipated future treatment.
The incident has likewise resulted in psychological distress, manifesting as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, fear, and depression triggered by the experience of being trapped in the elevator.
This has adversely affected their quality of life, happiness, and overall enjoyment of life due to the severe consequences of the accident.
The couple reports substantial losses from mounting medical expenses, ongoing treatment needs, decreased earning capacity, and the inability to engage in typical social, recreational, vocational, and household activities.
They are seeking both compensatory and punitive damages for what they claim to be gross negligence and recklessness, alongside coverage for legal expenses and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Legal Precedents in Elevator Maintenance Cases
Judicial systems have often held property owners and elevator maintenance providers accountable when negligence leads to significant injuries from elevator malfunctions.
In July 2014, John Deatherage encountered a severe elevator failure at Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino, resulting in a harrowing drop followed by a violent stop.
Deatherage endured an impact equivalent to twice his body weight, causing lasting spinal injuries that necessitated fusion surgery, leading to $142,000 in medical expenses.
Following this incident, he filed a lawsuit against Schindler Elevator Company, tasked with maintaining the elevator. In July 2018, a jury found Schindler liable for negligence and awarded Deatherage $2 million in compensatory damages.