Long distance runner slips on ice, sues

Craig Virgin, a three-time Olympian and a Democratic politician, has filed a personal injury complaint for slipping on ice outside his Lebanon business.

A long-distance runner who competed in the 10,000 meters, Virgin ran unsuccessfully against State Sen. Frank Watson in 1992. He also lost his races for St. Clair County Board member in 1998 and 2002.

Virgin, who runs a marketing/promotions business in Lebanon, filed suit against Regions Bank, CB Richard Ellis and Hank's Excavating & Landscaping on Feb. 3 in St. Clair County.

He claims the defendants are negligent for permitting ice to accumulate on the sidewalk outside his business at 107 East St. Louis St.

Regions Bank owns the building and Ellis and Hank's Excavating were under contract to maintain the premises, Virgin claims.

According to the complaint, Virgin slipped and fell on the ice on Feb. 5, 2004.

"The plaintiff was made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled and suffered extensive injuries to his head, back, neck and right leg both internally and externally," the complaint states.

The five-count suit seeks in excess of $50,000 per count.

"The plaintiff has suffered a loss of wages and will suffer an impairment of future earning capacity," the complaint states.

Virgin is represented by John H. Fredrick, Jr. of Nelson & Nelson in Belleville.