Mother and baby allegedly injured after falling into manhole

A Madison mother claims she and her baby were injured after falling into an improperly covered manhole.

According to a lawsuit filed on May 8 in Madison County Circuit Court, Shelia DeBoise filed a complaint against the City of Madison and its Department of Public Works, Venice Township, Madison County, Metro East Sanitary District, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Manuel Foschiatti and some unnamed owners.

On May 11, 2014, DeBoise, while returning home and carrying her baby, claims she stepped on a manhole cover on Foschiatti's property, which allegedly flipped and caused her to fall into the manhole. She claims her baby was thrown from her arms and struck her head in her own fall, the suit states.

The lawsuit alleges the mother suffered a leg injury, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, and disability. It also claims her baby suffered injuries to his face and head, pain and suffering, additional medical expenses for his mother and disability.

The plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $400,000, plus costs ($50,000 from each defendant).

The plaintiff is represented by Julia Kerr of Brown & Crouppen P.C. of St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-583