The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

September 7, 2009

Couple sue motel over gunk in shower

By BERNIE HORNICK

A Toronto-area resident is suing a Bedford County motel because he said nasty gunk oozed up from the floor as he was taking his morning shower.

Evan Lee and his wife, Debra Snider, have filed suit against Lincoln Hospitality Inc., which runs the Ramada Inn of Breezewood, in U.S. District Court in Johnstown.

They said they were repulsed by an incident that took place Aug. 12, 2007.

Lee stepped into the shower in his room at the Ramada.

“Within moments of the water washing over his entire body, a disgusting smell filled the bathroom,” the lawsuit said.

“When the plaintiff, Evan Lee, looked down, he observed the bathtub shower floor covered with gook, pieces of garbage and other materials.”

The gunk seemed to contain human waste and other toxic substances, the lawsuit said.

Lee yelled out. His 10-year-old son, Max Lee, came running and saw the sewage in the shower area and on his dad. Immediately, the lawsuit said, father and son began to vomit.

Evan Lee said a rash broke out all over his body.

Lee and Snider are seeking unspecified monetary damages from the motel.

The suit contends the Ramada was on prior notice of such problems but was slow to correct them.

A call to Breezewood Ramada seeking comment on the lawsuit was not returned.