St. Paul Catholic Church sued over trip and fall

A woman has filed suit against the church where she claims she sustained injuries when she tripped over a black basketball pole.

Elizabeth A. Korte alleges she was visiting defendant St. Paul Catholic Church on Aug. 25, 2012, for Kirchenfest when she attempted to walk over black basketball poles and other objects that were laid on the ground. Elizabeth A. Korte then tripped over the objects and fell, injuring herself, according to the complaint filed Dec. 23 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the incident, Elizabeth A. Korte suffered a torn tendon in her right shoulder, an injured shoulder and required surgery to remedy the shoulder, the suit states. She also suffered permanent disfigurement, experienced mental anguish and emotional distress, endured pain and suffering, lost her normal life and incurred medical costs, the complaint says.

Daniel J. Korte, who was married to Elizabeth Korte at the time of the incident, claims he lost his wife’s society, companionship and sexual relationship because of the incident.

Elizabeth A. Korte blames St. Paul Catholic Church for causing her injuries, saying it negligently failed to warn of the basketball pole and other objects laying around, failed to ensure that Elizabeth Korte was not injured and failed to ensure that Elizabeth Korte was not in an area where she could trip over the poles.

In their complaint, the Kortes are seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus other relief it deems just.

They will be represented by Brian L. Polinske of Polinske and Associates in Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-2172.