Man sues for tripping on sidewalk in the dark

A Granite City man filed a personal injury suit against the owners of an apartment complex on Alexander Street in Granite City claiming they improperly managed and maintained the premises.

Gary Colp claims he injured his back on June 3, 2005, when he tripped and fell on a concrete sidewalk as he attempted a "nighttime egress of the premises."

According to the complaint filed May 4 in Madison County Circuit Court, owners James and Ann Pipkin failed to properly maintain and repair the concrete sidewalk, allowed the sidewalk to remain in a dangerous condition, failed to warn of the dangerous condition and failed to provide nighttime illumination.

Colp claims his back injuries caused great bodily pain and anguish, medical expenses and loss of a normal life.

Represented by John Papa of Granite City, Colp is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus all costs of the suit.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron.

07 L 430