Tyata Brown v. VyStar Financial Group, LLC, et al.

Case Background

On May 31, 2020, Tyata Brown filed a personal injury lawsuit after she sustained injuries due to a defective elevator alleging negligence. The lawsuit was filed in the Fourth Circuit Court of Duval County, Florida. Judge James H. Daniel presided over this elevator negligence lawsuit. [Case number: 2020-CA-003089]

Cause

On June 3, 2019, Tyata Brown, an employee in a building at 76 South Laura Street in Jacksonville, entered an elevator to reach her office on the 14th floor. The building was owned by VyStar Financial Group, LLC, and Otis Elevator Company was responsible for maintaining its elevators.

The elevator malfunctioned shortly after she stepped inside. It first ascended to the 17th floor, then dropped slightly before rising again. This pattern of minor ascents and descents continued until the elevator reached the 18th floor. Suddenly, the elevator plummeted rapidly and came to a stop above the first floor.

Brown attempted to use the emergency button, but it did not work. She remained trapped in the elevator for two hours. Emergency responders eventually freed her by accessing the elevator through its ceiling.

Injury

As a result of the incident, Tyata Brown sustained multiple injuries and aggravated a pre-existing condition. Brown claimed that she injured her neck and back. She also allegedly experienced memory problems following the incident. She experienced physical pain, underwent medical treatment and surgery, and incurred significant medical expenses. Her injuries caused physical limitations, permanent scarring, and disfigurement. She also suffered psychological and emotional distress, which impaired her ability to work and resulted in lost wages. Additionally, her injuries caused permanent damage and loss of important bodily functions, reducing her overall quality of life.

Damages

Brown’s injuries continued to affect her, causing ongoing physical pain, disfigurement, scarring, and emotional distress. She faced long-term physical challenges and permanent impairment. Her earning capacity was significantly reduced, and she required substantial medical care and related treatment. Furthermore, her ability to enjoy life was permanently diminished.

In light of these damages, Tyata Brown sought compensatory damages exceeding $30,000 from VyStar Financial Group, LLC, and Otis Elevator Company. She also demanded a jury trial for all triable issues.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Tyata Brown
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): David Candido Thompson | Robert S Gunn, IV | Frank Fratello, Jr | John Cameron Thomas | Matthew Jordan Grossman
  • Defendant(s):  VyStar Financial Group, LLC | Otis Elevator Company
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Deana Nicole Dunham | Zachary Jackson Brewer | Todd Tellson Springer | Douglas Grayson Miller | Robert Eric Sacks

Claims

Brown claimed that the Defendants acted negligently by failing to properly maintain the elevator and by not warning her of its hazardous condition. VyStar allegedly failed to maintain the property and facility with reasonable care, allowing dangerous and defective conditions, including issues with the elevator and its equipment. This negligence, according to the Plaintiff, contributed to her injuries.

Otis Elevator was responsible for maintaining, managing, repairing, and controlling the elevator, yet the Plaintiff alleged they failed to ensure its safety. The dangerous condition of the elevator existed long enough for both VyStar and Otis Elevator to have been aware of it. Despite this, the Defendants failed to address or correct the issue, breaching their duty to maintain a safe environment and causing the Plaintiff’s injuries. She later dismissed her claim against Otis with prejudice.

Defense

VyStar stated that Otis was responsible for maintaining the elevator and held Otis accountable for the Plaintiff’s alleged injuries.

Jury Verdict

On August 23, 2024, the jury found that VyStar was 35% negligent and Otis was 65% negligent.

  • Economic damages (Medical Expenses):
    • Past: $79,325.31
    • Future: $500,000
  • Non-economic damages:
    • Past: $100,000
    • Future: $200,000

The verdict totaled $879,325.31. On November 12, 2024, a final judgment was passed empowering Brown to recover $408,932.46 that shall bear interest at the rate of 9.50% per year from VyStar.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com