Wash. Family Sues Avis Over Man's Death
Following the fatal fall, the State of Washington fined Avis $7,800 for what it deemed were three serious violations.
A Renton, Wash., family is suing Avis Car Rental for the death of a man who fell six stories off a service lift at the company’s location in downtown Seattle, KIRO 7 reported.
Chris Kitzhaber was employed as a service technician for Avis. During his time with the company, Kitzhaber's wife, Sandra, said her husband took multiple photos of the service lift and repeatedly claimed he didn’t feel safe on it.
Following the fatal fall, the State of Washington fined Avis $7,800 for what it deemed were three serious violations. However, the company is appealing the fine.
The Kitzhaber’s lawsuit alleges that the equipment was dangerous and that Avis should pay for the accident. A trial date is set for December.
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