Escalator trial continues

Thursday, January 27, 2005

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Testimony was heard regarding compensation for the escalator accident.

The family of a little girl disfigured in a Dillard's Department Store escalator accident is seeking more than $1.8 million in damages.

On Thursday, a St. Petersburg court heard additional testimony.

Kerriana Johnson was 5 years old when the escalator at Tyrone Square Mall crushed down on her right hand as she tried freeing her shoe.

She lost three fingers, and is now left with only a pinky and a thumb.

Records show customers and employees made several complaints about the escalator before the incident.

According to Johnson's mother, her daughter will never be the same.

Dillard's maintains the child's mother is to blame, saying she wasn't watching the child.

Kerriana Johnson lost part of her hand and three fingers.

John McKay, a rehabilitation specialist, testified for Dillard's at Thursday's hearing.

"Johnson will have access to education," McKay said. "Her educational attainment level will have almost nothing to do with her hand."

"There will be many factors that are far more prominent in her educational development than her hands."

The next phase of the trial will determine punitive damages (or pain and suffering). Some lawyers estimate that could be upwards of $10 million.

The trial is expected to extend into next week.

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