An elderly woman is suing Madison County, claiming she was injured when she fell through a wooden bench while playing Bingo at the Fireman's Hall.
Clara Henderson filed a lawsuit on June 1 in Madison County Circuit Court against Madison County Firemens Association and Madison County, Illinois, alleging negligence in a 2014 accident.
According to the filing, on June 3, 2014, Henderson, 78, was lawfully on the premises at the Madison County Fireman's Hall in Collinsville to play Bingo when she sat on a wood and iron bench without knowing the wooden slots were weathered, rotten and unfit for use. As a result of the bench's condition, she claims she fell through the furniture, incurring injuries.
The suit states that the defendants owed Henderson a non-delegable duty of reasonable care, and alleges: they should have known of the bench’s dangerous condition; the defendants should have inspected and maintained the bench and premises; warned her of the condition; and repaired or otherwise remedied the hazardous nature of the furniture.
The plaintiff alleges physical harm to her head, neck, elbow, ankle and knee, plus pain and suffering, loss of normal life and medical expenses.
Henderson seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorney fees and costs.
She is represented by attorney John Webster of Williamson, Webster, Falb & Glisson in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case nu
mber 15-L-696.