Shopper sues after picture frames strike her in chin

A woman injured after a shelf full of picture frames fell on her while shopping has filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 12, seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

Tracy Wells claims that on Dec. 20, 2003, she was at a Kirkland's store when a shelf came loose from the wall, injuring her chin and on left side of her face above the eye.

The suit does not state where the injury occurred or where Wells resides.

Kirkland's is a leading retailer of decorative home accessories and gift items in the southeast. The company owns and operates a chain of 129 stores located in high-volume, regional malls.

Wells claims Kirkland's failed to inspect the shelf, failed to see that it was not properly fastened to the wall and failed to warn her of the potential dangers of the picture frames.

She clains lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Wells is represented by Lance Mallon of Wood River.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron.

05 L 1253