Defective security system cited in suit against N.C. bank

DURHAM, N.C. -- Two tellers injured in a holdup at a Cardinal State Bank branch are suing the bank, claiming it illegally fired them in retaliation for filing workers' compensation claims.

Among other things, the suits also allege that Cardinal State failed to repair a defective security system that -- had it been working properly -- might have spared the tellers from physical and emotional trauma.

The plaintiffs in the newly filed court complaints are Theresa A. Davis and her husband, Jeremiah Davis, and Elvira R. Simmons and her husband, James M. Simmons Jr.

The suits were drafted by lawyers Deborah N. Meyer and Lisa M. Schreiner.

No response was available Monday from the bank.

"We haven't seen the complaint or been served with it yet," said Executive Vice President Harold Parker. "Obviously, we have no comment."

According to the suits, a man with a handgun ordered Theresa Davis and Elvira Simmons to empty their cash drawers on Aug. 10, 2007, then forced them into a vault before demanding more money and fleeing the scene.

The gunman is quoted in the suits as warning his victims, "I have one thing more for you ladies" -- a comment they interpreted as a death threat.

The women escaped through a back door, only to fall down a 10-foot, 60-degree embankment, according to the suits.