Myrtle Beach Hotel Hit with Lawsuit Following Dangerous Elevator Incident
In a rather shocking turn of events, Myrtle Beach finds itself at the center of a legal battle after an Illinois woman, Theresa Carpenter, has decided to take matters into her own hands. Carpenter is suing the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Hotel, claiming she suffered serious injuries after being caught in a malfunctioning elevator during a hotel tour.
What Happened?
On a sunny day, September 27, 2023, Carpenter was enjoying what she thought would be a routine guided tour of the luxurious Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Hotel, located at 1515 N. Ocean Blvd. However, her experience turned into a nightmare. According to the lawsuit, when she stepped into the elevator, the doors unexpectedly shut on her multiple times before she could fully enter. The result? A slew of injuries requiring medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
Who’s Being Sued?
Carpenter didn’t hold back in her lawsuit, filed on November 21, 2024. She targets not just the hotel but also claims negligence against TK Elevator Corp. and Ryan Kubale, the hotel manager at the time of the incident. The lawsuit asserts that the elevator company was responsible for the elevator’s maintenance and should have ensured that the door’s stop mechanism was functioning safely. And let’s not forget, there were no warnings about the elevator’s issues, which Carpenter argues created a hazardous environment for guests.
Hotel and Elevator Company Response
Interestingly, both Hilton Grand Vacations and TK Elevator Corp. are keeping tight-lipped about the situation. Through an email, a spokesperson from TK Elevator mentioned that as this matter involves pending litigation, they aren’t able to provide any comments at this time. Similarly, Hilton Grand Vacations has also chosen not to comment on the ongoing case.
What Next?
So, what happens from here? Carpenter’s lawsuit is seeking a jury trial for damages, which could either result in her receiving compensation for her suffering or perhaps change the way elevators are maintained in the bustling Myrtle Beach area. One can only imagine how this incident may push hotels to take a closer look at their elevator systems, just in case other guests have a similar experience!
You might be wondering how this could have happened, especially in such a well-known hotel chain. After all, we trust these establishments to keep us safe during our getaways. This situation goes on to highlight a crucial aspect of hospitality—guests rely on the premises being secure and safe for use, from elevators to swimming pools.
A Concern for Future Guests
This incident raises a lot of questions. Are there enough safety checks and balances in place? Are hotel’s elevator mechanisms being properly maintained? In a world where people seek excitement and relaxation, the last thing anyone wants to encounter is an elevator that’s acting out in the worst possible way.
As this story continues to unfold, we will be following the developments. For the guests of Myrtle Beach, may we all continue to enjoy our vacations, hopefully without any uninvited surprises!
In the meantime, if you’re planning a visit to Myrtle Beach, it might be wise to approach hotel elevators with just a touch more caution, knowing that even the simplest of conveniences can sometimes turn into unsettling situations.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
