Improperly placed mat culprit in $50k suit against Family Dollar

A woman who was injured while shopping at the Belleville Family Dollar filed suit against the retailer alleging it failed to use ordinary care to remove an improperly placed mat, which caused her serious permanent injuries.

Leora Oregon claims that on Dec. 12, 2003, she tripped and fell on a floor mat near the entrance of the store located at 6401 West Main St. in Belleville.

"All actions of Oregon leading up to her injury were prudent and easily anticipated by Family Dollar," the complaint states.

According to the complaint, Oregon suffered serious, permanent and disabling injuries, including a fractured left hip and laceration injuries to her head, skull, neck, body and limbs.

Oregon also claims she strained or sprained her trunk, neck, back and shoulders, a shock to the central and peripheral nervous systems, severe pain in body and mind, and claims that her injuries are progressive in nature and the use of the injured parts and organs are severely impaired and made painful.

The suit claims Oregon has incurred medical expenses and has lost wages in an amount not readily ascertainable.

"Family Dollar knew that in the exercise of ordinary care should have known of the dangerous condition of the premises and failed to warn or correct the dangerous condition."

Oregon is represented by Gerald Dunne of Clayton, Mo.

05 L 722 (20th Circuit)