City sued for open water meter pit

The City of O'Fallon is being sued by a former property owner who tripped in an open water meter pit.

Eugene Wolfe claims he was walking outside his home at 303 East Adams on Nov. 20, 2005, when he stepped into the pit with one leg and suffered personal injuries as a result.

He claims the city and co-defendant CT Moore LLC negligently failed to cover the water meter pit so that it was flush with the ground.

"Defendant had actual or constructive notice of the above named conditions, and failed to adequately respond to said notice in the manner of a reasonable and prudent owner and and/or possessor, in a manner that could reasonably have protected plaintiff from the injury complained of," states the complaint filed Nov. 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Wolfe Blanche also is seeking damages for loss of society, companionship and consortium. Together they are seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages.

The Blanches, who now reside in Pennsylvania, are represented by Hrant Norsigian Jr. of the Castle Law Office in St. Louis.