BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. — Karen Henderson had just finished getting ready for work. Her daughter was almost dressed and the two were going to head out.
“I was coming downstairs to take my daughter to school,” Henderson said.
Almost to the bottom of the stairs, Henderson fell on the stairs. To be more accurate, the stairs collapsed, and she fell through.
“I was scared at first of course,” Henderson said.
Fortunately, Henderson wasn’t seriously hurt but the stairs needed major repair.
“(The stairs) just fell, like fell down,” Henderson said.
After rushing her daughter to school, Henderson called the rental company to have the stairs fixed. A maintenance person was sent out, but the process was not fast. The rental company told Henderson it would have to call a professional to come and inspect it.
“They scheduled a vendor; he came out and then had to go back and give a report. Then, another vendor (came out), he did a report, then they scheduled another vendor,” Henderson said.
The process took a little more than two weeks. During this time, Henderson moved out and was staying in a hotel because she didn’t feel comfortable using the stairs, and her bathroom and bedrooms were upstairs.
“We were basically cut off from half the house,” Henderson said.
After about three weeks and with no repair work, Henderson called WFMY News 2 for help.
“I was getting no response. Still to this day, [I] called [and] left messages, no one called me,” Henderson said. “I have a 6-year-old girl who doesn’t understand why she can’t go upstairs and get her toys.”
Henderson wanted the repairs finished quickly and the rental company to pay for the hotel. We contacted the rental agency and spoke with a manager. The company agreed to cover the cost of the hotel and didn’t charge Henderson for one month’s rent.
The stairs were fixed a few days later and Henderson was able to move back home.
“I absolutely appreciate (News 2) I can’t say enough good for Channel 2 News,” Henderson said.