4719 W. Main in Belleville
Apartment tenant Fabriciano Ledo claims a broken handrail caused him to trip while walking up the only set of stairs at his Belleville dwelling.
Ledo is suing building owner Scott Foppe because he was "personally aware of the broken and deteriorated condition of the stairs and handrails and…promised plaintiff and the other tenants he would have them repaired, but failed to do so."
According to a suit filed Jan. 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, the incident took place on May 18, 2006.
"That the fall plaintiff took caused him to have injuries to his neck and lower back which needs the treatment by physicians and hospitals, causing him to have pain and suffering, loss of income, as well as permanent injuries to his neck," the complaint states.
Ledo, represented by Charles H. Stegmeyer of Stegmeyer & Stegmeyer of Belleville, is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages, plus costs.