Belleville man alleges he was attacked at Metro station

A Belleville man is suing the Bi-State Development Agency after allegedly being attacked at a Metro station.

Francis Stanley filed the lawsuit Sept. 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the Bi-State Development Agency of the Illinois-Missouri Metropolitan District, doing business as Metro and Bi-State, also known as Bi-State Development Agency.

According to the complaint, Stanley was seriously hurt Sept. 27, 2013, at a Metro station when an unknown person attacked him, hit him in the back of the head and beat him. The Belleville man says he was hospitalized for his injuries.

Stanley says the defendant knew about a history of criminal attacks at Metro stations but failed to have a security officer at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Metrolink Station on 25th Street, East St. Louis, at the time and place he was attacked. He says the company provides public transportation services and, therefore, has an obligation to protect patrons from harm.

As a result of the alleged attack, Stanley says he suffered injuries to his skull, face and shoulder, including a torn rotator cuff. He accuses Metro of negligence and seeks more than $50,000 in damages for medical expenses, lost wages, disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering.

Attorney Michael A. Lawder of Anderson & Gilbert in St. Louis represents Stanley. They ask for a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-645.