Katy businessman claims he was hurt riding office elevator

A Katy businessman is suing the owner and manager of his Heights office building after allegedly being hurt by the elevator.

Carl Williams filed a lawsuit April 1 in Harris County District Court against R.M. Crowe Houston Portfolio LP and R.M. Crowe Management Company. Ascent Elevator Services LLC is also named as a defendant.

According to the complaint, Williams got in the elevator on the fifth floor of his Heights office building in June 2009. On the way down to the first floor, Williams alleges the elevator dropped suddenly and came to a violent stop, causing him to hurt his back. Williams says the elevator then went up to a higher floor and he was able to get out after the doors opened.

Williams accuses R.M. Crowe and Ascent Elevator of negligence for failing to properly inspect and maintain the elevator. He is asking for an unspecified amount of money in damages for medical costs, loss of income and court fees.

Attorney Scott P. Callahan, of Katy, is representing Williams in this action. They ask for a jury trial.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2011-20195.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.