Schnucks' door breaks woman's rib, suit claims

A Springfield woman claims an automatic door at the Granite City Schnucks grocery store malfunctioned as she was exiting, breaking her rib and bruising her pelvis and hip.

In a lawsuit filed Jan. 24 in Madison County Circuit Court, Gloria Wright claims the store's door shut without warning on Jan. 30, 2004. She is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

Wright claims that Schnucks was negligent and careless because the store allegedly failed to care and maintain the automatic doors.

"Schnucks knew or should have known that its failure to adequately care and maintain the automatic doors posed a risk and hazard to the general public, in particular, Gloria Wright," the complaint states.

According to Wright, she sustained a rotator cuff tear of her right shoulder which required surgical repair.

She claims she has already spent at least $5,000 in medical expenses and expects to spend even more. She also complains of pain and mental anguish.

"Wright, having been struck by Schnucks door is something that ordinarily does not occur in the absence of negligence," the complaint states.

She is represented by Scott Sherman and Brian Stokes of St. Louis.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian.

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