Fall from plastic chair prompts $50k suit

Vincent Andrzejewski filed suit Jan. 31 against Sandra LaMantia and the defunct restaurant and sporting venue, Inside Out 12, because he broke his arm after the plastic chair he was sitting on collapsed.

He is seeking at least $50,000 for the permanent and disabling injuries he sustained in the fall.

Andrzejewski claims the incident took place at 8:30 p.m. on July 22, 2003, when without warning, the plastic chair gave way. His body "suddenly and violently" struck the ground, breaking bones in his left arm.

LaMantia either knew or by using reasonable care, could have known, the condition of the chair and warned him of the condition, according to the complaint.

Andrzejewski accused LaMantia of using chairs she knew were unsafe and had previously collapsed in the outside heat, failed to keep a careful lookout for his safety, and failed to warn and remove hazards from the establishment.

As a result of this alleged negligence, Andrzejewski also claims great pain and suffering, that he has suffered diminishment of his enjoyment of life and has incurred medical expenses.

LaMantia, of Glen Carbon, was the sole shareholder of Inside Out 12, which did business as a restaurant and sponsored volleyball leagues.

Represented by Brian Stokes of St. Louis, Andrzejewski is seeking a sum that will fairly and reasonably compensate him for personal injuries and all court costs in an amount to exceed at least $50,000. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron.

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