Kujawa
Planek
A banquet facility owner has denied the allegations against it in its answer to a lawsuit filed in St. Clair County.
Facility owner KAF filed its answer and demand for a jury trial on Dec. 22, in a case filed by plaintiff Gerald D. Jenkins who alleges he tripped and fell over a deformity in a walkway and suffered severe injuries.
Jenkins' suit filed on Nov. 22 alleges he was attending a charity auction when the incident occurred. He claims the deformity was hidden by a mulch bed and bush.
In its answer to Jenkins' lawsuit, KAF says it was Jenkins' duty to use ordinary care for his safety and that Jenkins was negligent because he failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to recognize an open and obvious condition. His failure to use ordinary care was a proximate cause of the alleged injury, the document states.
In addition to his injuries, Jenkins claims he incurred medical costs and suffered great pain and mental anguish, according to the complaint. He blames KAF for causing his injuries, saying the company negligently failed to remedy the dangerous conditions and failed to inspect its walkway.
Jenkins seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs. He is represented by Dominic Kujawa of Belleville.
Charles W. Planek and Angela M. Shparber of Wilson, Elser, Mosowitz, Edelman & Dicker in Chicago represent KAF.
The case is St. Clair County case number 2011-L-647.