Maintenance worker sues apartment owner

A maintenance contractor is suing the owner of a Belleville apartment complex, claiming injuries from tripping over a raised piece of carpet.

Seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages, Edward Bridges filed suit against Jacquard -- doing business as New York Homes -- in St. Clair County Circuit Court Sept. 22.

Bridges claims he was installing a piece of copper tubing to a hot water heater on Nov. 29, 2005, when he was "caused to trip and fall on an unsecured and raised piece of carpet."

The apartment is located at 137 North 45th St., Unit 9.

According to the complaint, Piquard breached his duty to protect persons by carelessly and negligently failing to maintain his property, failing to replace the carpet knowing it was in disrepair and failing to warn persons of the carpet's dangerous condition.

Piquard, represented by Edward F. Brennan of Belleville, claims he suffered trauma to his left leg and hip, required hospital care, endured pain and suffering and lost wages.