MCT and Doolin Place named in personal injury suit

A mentally and physically disabled woman is suing Madison County Transit and an assisted living center for injuries she sustained last year when her wheelchair rolled off a porch.

According to a suit filed on behalf of Rochelle Kleffner, the transit authority -- Agency for Community Transit -- and Doolin Place in Alton were negligent for leaving her unattended on an elevated surface without wheelchair locks in place.

Kleffner sustained numerous injuries consistent with blunt trauma to the face and wrist, the suit filed March 9 in Madison County Circuit Court states.

The suit was filed on her behalf by Steven Kleffner. She is represented by Mark S. Peebles of Enyart and Peebles in Belleville.

The incident took place March 14, 2006, after she was driven to the center, located at 3208 Charlotte Ct., and left on the porch.

"That Doolin Place personnel did not come to the porch area and meet plaintiff or transit personnel as plaintiff arrived," the complaint states.

Kleffner is unable to communicate, the complaint states.

"That plaintiff lay face down on a surface, unable to move herself," the complaint states. "That plaintiff endured physical pain and discomfort as a result of rolling off of the porch."

She incurred medical bills for treatment at Alton Memorial Hospital, the complaint states.