Commuter accuses light rail system of liability in stairway slip

A St. Clair County woman is suing Metro over her slip and fall on wet stairs as she was using its light rail system.

Lashunda Tucker of O’Fallon filed a lawsuit on April 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Bi-State Development Agency d/b/a “Metro,” alleging negligence in a December 2014 incident.

Bi-State built, owns and/or operates public transportation facilities linking the city of Belleville to other points on the MetroLink light rail system, including the Memorial Hospital station in Belleville.

According to the complaint, Metrolink had installed a stairway for passenger use in approaching trains. Tucker claims that as she was attempting to descend the steps on Dec. 15, 2014, at approximately 6:45 a.m. in dark and rainy conditions, she slipped and fell, injuring her right wrist.

The complaint alleges that Bi-State failed to warn approaching passengers of the wet conditions; provide a cover or roof over the area and adequate lighting; and knew or should have known that the handrail and steps would become hazardous when wet.

The plaintiff contends that she has sustained a fractured wrist requiring multiple surgeries; has endured extreme pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and disability.

Tucker seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs. She is represented by The Law Office of Rhonda D. Fiss of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-241