Alton hospital denies liability in slip and fall case

An Alton hospital named in a slip and fall lawsuit argues that the plaintiff, a housekeeper, contributed to her alleged injuries for failing to act with due care for her own safety.

Defendant St. Anthony’s Health Center denied all allegations against it in its Dec. 8 answer.

According to plaintiff Kimberly Mangrum’s amended complaint, filed Oct. 24, she claims she was employed as a housekeeper with Crothell Healthcare, Inc., a contracted cleaning corporation through St. Anthony’s Health Center, when she slipped and fell on Dec. 23, 2013.

She alleges that a liquid had accumulated on the cafeteria floor, causing her to slip and fall “through no fault of her own,” the suit states.

Mangrum argues that it was the defendant’s duty to maintain its floors and walkways in a “reasonable and safe condition, free from liquid.”

The plaintiff claims to have suffered “severe, extensive and permanent injuries including a chondromalacia of the weight bearing surface of the medial femoral condyle and a chondro flap of the lateral tibial plateau as well as a torn medial and lateral menisci of the right knee.” She claims she will continue to suffer from her injuries while attending to usual duties and affairs.

As a result of her alleged injuries, Mangrum claims she has incurred medical bills and will be liable for additional medical bills in the future. She also claims to have lost wages.

In its affirmative defenses, the defendant accuses Mangrum of negligence for failing to exercise due care while on the premises, arguing that she has responsibility to act with due care for her own safety.

As a result, St. Anthony’s Health Center claims the plaintiff’s own negligence was the sole proximate cause of her alleged injuries and damages.

Furthermore, her failure to seek immediate medical care after her alleged fall “constitutes contributory negligence,” the defendant’s answer states.

Mangrum seeks $50,000 plus costs.

Mangrum is represented by Keith Short and Zachary Pashea of the Law Offices of Keith Short in Edwardsville.

Edward S. Bott, Donald K. Schoemaker and Dayna L. Johnson of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., in Swansea, Ill., represent St. Anthony’s Health Center. The defendant demands a trial by jury.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-1274