Distracted customer sues Wal-Mart for torn carpet

A man who fell and broke his arm while walking into the Wood River Wal-Mart is suing the store for defective carpeting.

Robert Schmid filed the lawsuit May 24 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

He claims he tripped on torn carpeting at the store's entrance on Dec. 7, 2005, causing him to stumble and fall violently to the floor.

According to the complaint, Wal-Mart is negligent for allowing the torn carpet to remain in the entrance, failing to replace the carpet and for failing to warn customers with warning cones or warning signs.

"The defects aforementioned were not open and obvious and if they were the plaintiff was distracted by the display of sale of goods at the entrance to the defendant's store," the complaint states.

Represented by Paul M. Storment of Belleville, Schmid is seeking more than $50,000 for his injuries, but less than $75,000.

"...He sustained injuries to his internal and external organs," the complaint states. "He was required to hire the services of doctors and hospitals in curing himself."