Escalator Horror at Paris Las Vegas: Colorado Tourist Files Lawsuit After Life-Altering Injuries

A dream vacation to the dazzling Las Vegas Strip took a horrific turn for a Colorado tourist, Wanda Johnson, whose life was irrevocably altered by a sudden and violent escalator malfunction at the iconic Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. The 68-year-old has now initiated a lawsuit against hotel operator Caesars Entertainment, Paris Las Vegas, and elevator manufacturer Schindler Elevator Corp., seeking justice and compensation for the catastrophic injuries she sustained.

The harrowing incident unfolded on March 15, 2023, while Johnson was a guest at the French-themed resort.

According to the lawsuit filed in Clark County District Court, Johnson was riding an escalator when it allegedly "violently jerked and came to a sudden stop." The terrifying ordeal didn't end there; the escalator reportedly "jolted forward again" before grinding to a complete and final halt, sending Johnson tumbling backward and inflicting a cascade of severe injuries.

The aftermath of the fall was devastating.

Johnson suffered multiple fractures to her right leg, ankle, and knee, along with significant damage to her left ankle. The incident also resulted in nerve damage, torn ligaments, and a torn meniscus, necessitating a series of intensive surgeries and ongoing, extensive medical care. Her attorney, Anthony DeLuca, paints a grim picture of Johnson's current condition: she is now confined to a wheelchair, her independence severely curtailed, and unable to walk without constant assistance.

The lawsuit levies serious accusations of negligence against the defendants.

It claims that Caesars Entertainment, Paris Las Vegas, and Schindler Elevator Corp. failed in their fundamental duties to properly maintain, inspect, service, repair, and operate the escalator. Furthermore, the suit alleges they knowingly allowed a dangerous and defective condition to persist, directly leading to Johnson's life-altering accident.

The legal action seeks unspecified damages to cover her mounting medical expenses, the profound pain and suffering endured, and the severe emotional distress resulting from the incident.

This incident casts a stark light on the critical importance of safety and maintenance in public spaces, particularly in high-traffic tourist destinations like the Las Vegas Strip.

While Caesars Entertainment has declined to comment on the pending litigation, the lawsuit underscores a commitment to accountability, aiming to ensure that no other visitor experiences such a preventable nightmare. For Wanda Johnson, what began as an exciting getaway transformed into a fight for recovery and justice, forever changing the course of her golden years.