Dollar General blames parking lot trip and fall on plaintiff

Dollar General has responded to a personal injury suit saying a parking lot trip and fall was the plaintiff's fault.

Lucinda A. Hodges sued DG Retail LLC, doing business as Dollar General, and Glen Carbon DG LLC on Dec. 31, in Madison County Circuit Court.

Hodges says she suffered serious injuries after falling on buckled asphalt in the defendants’ parking lot at 296 W. Main St. in Glen Carbon on Dec. 21, 2011. Hodges alleges the defendants were negligent for failing to repair or remove the buckled asphalt, failing to warn and failing to maintain the premises.

Dollar General, represented by Jeffrey Kopis of Belleville, says Hodges failed to look where she was walking.

"The alleged condition was an open and obvious condition," Kopis wrote in answer to the suit.

The case was up for status conference on July 23.

Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth presides.

Hodges is seeking more than $50,000 in damages. She is being represented in the case by attorneys Bill T. Walker and Randall P. Steele.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-2204.