Missouri Man Gets $31K for Falling Down Elevator Shaft

A man who fell about 20 feet down an empty elevator shaft in St. Joseph, Mo., has been awarded about $31,500 in damages.

The St. Joseph News-Press reported that Boone County jurors also decided to award $3,000 to Danny Secrist’s wife and caretaker, Erin.

Danny Secrist filed the civil suit against Treadstone LLC after suffering back and leg injuries in the November 2008 fall. The plaintiffs said the company should be held responsible for not hiring an elevator operator, noting the elevator was about 90 years old and had to be opened with a wire or coat hanger.

The plaintiffs had sought about $675,000 in damages, but jurors limited the amount because they found Danny Secrist mostly responsible for the accident.

The defense noted that Secrist tested positive for drugs during a post-accident medical screening.

Information from: St. Joseph News-Press