Schlesinger Law Offices is proud to announce that a Broward County jury returned a $5.605 million verdict for our client after she was trapped alone inside a condominium elevator for more than three hours. The verdict was returned on July 24, 2026, following a trial before Judge Jeffrey Levenson in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit. The jury found Marksman Security Corporation negligent.
At the time of the incident, our client was 62 years old and worked two jobs. She served as a nanny during the day and delivered newspapers overnight. Shortly before 4 a.m. on March 22, 2023, she arrived at The Hampton Beach Club Condominium to make what should have been a routine delivery. Security camera footage presented at trial showed her greeting the security guards, signing the visitor log, and leaving her large blue newspaper bag on a bench directly in front of the security desk. She then entered the south tower elevator to complete her delivery.
The elevator malfunctioned and stopped on the eighth floor, trapping our client inside. Evidence presented at trial showed that the elevator’s emergency telephone and security camera were not working. The elevator was located around a corner and more than 100 feet from the security desk, making it difficult for the guards to hear an alarm. Our attorneys also presented evidence that Marksman Security knew before the incident that the elevator camera was out of service.
At approximately 4:15 a.m., the guard assigned to the front desk left for an unauthorized break that lasted roughly 95 minutes. Another guard covered the desk, but no security patrols were conducted during that time. Our client’s newspaper bag remained unattended and in plain view just a few feet from the security desk. Despite her disappearance, no one checked the building or attempted to locate her. Shortly before 7 a.m., someone finally called 911. Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded and freed our client from the elevator more than three hours after she had entered it.
“The evidence showed repeated warning signs that were missed,” said attorney Steven J. Hammer. “Had basic security procedures been followed, she would have been found much sooner.”
During the trial, our attorneys presented medical evidence that the prolonged entrapment caused our client to suffer a stroke and severe emotional trauma. She was left with lasting physical limitations, including difficulty walking, and can no longer work. The defense disputed the cause and extent of her injuries.
“She came to work expecting an ordinary day, and instead endured an ordeal that changed her life forever,” said attorney David Silverman. “She was left with permanent physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an inability to return to work.”
After considering the evidence, the jury awarded damages for medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
“No one should enter a building, greet the security guards, and then disappear for more than three hours without anyone noticing,” said attorney Jonathan R. Gdanski. “The jury recognized that what happened to [our client] was entirely preventable.”
“We are grateful the jury carefully considered the evidence and returned a verdict that reflects the magnitude of the harm [our client] suffered,” Silverman said.
The case was tried by Schlesinger Law Offices attorneys Jonathan R. Gdanski, Steven J. Hammer, and David Silverman.
About Schlesinger Law Offices
Schlesinger Law Offices represents individuals and families throughout Florida in serious personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. For more than 70 years, our firm has helped clients hold negligent parties accountable through significant verdicts and settlements.
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