Truck driver sues over icy slip and fall

A trucker claims he suffered multiple fractures when he fell on ice at his trucking company's office.

Charles Robinson and Brandie Robinson filed a lawsuit on May 5 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Roark Trucking LLC of Carmi, alleging breach of contract.

The plaintiff, working as an independent contractor of the defendant, alleges that on or about Feb. 12, 2014, he visited the company office to drop off paperwork. As he was leaving through a different door than the one he entered from, he slipped and fell on accumulated ice on he sidewalk.

According to the complaint, an exterior downspout draining water from the building’s roof directly onto the sidewalk in front of the exit caused ice to build up.

Robinson claims Roark knew or should have known of the hazard and failed to address it. Robinson alleges he sustained multiple fractures that required surgical intervention, creating a significant impact on his life with continued mobility issues and pain.

The plaintiff also alleges risk of future muscular and circulatory complications from the injury and accuses the defendant of failing to correct safety issues. Robinson alleges pain, suffering and mental anguish; lost wages and earning capacity; impairment and disfigurement; and loss of consortium.

The Robinsons seek damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.

They are represented by Philip Lading of Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard in Edwardsville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-279