Improperly folded mat leads to Madison County suit

Distracted by promotional signs at the Fairview Heights Value City furniture store, shopper Dorothy Gale caught her foot on an improperly placed mat. She lost her balance and fell.

Gale, of East St. Louis, is suing the store in Madison County Circuit Court for damages in excess of $50,000 over a tripping incident that took place on June 6, 2003.

She claims the store was negligent for not placing warning signs around a folded mat.

Represented by Alexander M. Wilson of Granite City, Gale claims her injuries and damages have caused her to lose wages, incur medical expenses and suffer pain and disability.

The suit does not describe Gale's injuries.

"In violation of its duties defendant placed mats at its store that were folded in a way that caused them to protrude and create a hazard," the complaint states.