Bad stool weld leads to suit v. Wal-Mart, Moose Lodge

Chad Mathis, who claims he was injured after falling from a patio stool at the Moose Lodge 1561 in Edwardsville, is suing mega-retailer Wal-Mart and the lodge.

Represented by Wood River personal injury attorney Lance Mallon, Mathis filed suit March 2 in Madison County Circuit Court. He is seeking at least $100,000 in damages for his injuries from Wal-Mart and also seeks at least $50,000 in damages from the Moose Lodge, which--according to the suit--failed to inspect the stool for defects.

Mathis claims his knees, low back, tailbone, back and other areas were injured after the stool collapsed. The incident took place Sept. 18, 2004, at the Moose Lodge patio.

In the suit, Mathis claims that Wal-Mart negligently and carelessly sold a patio stool with a defective weld.

As a result of the fall, Mathis claims pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and diminution of earning capacity.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Philip Kardis in Granite City.