Tour bus companies sued by passenger who trips while exiting

Elizabeth Miller of Coulterville is suing Vandalia Bus Lines, Southwestern Illinois Bus Co. and Robbins' Tours, Inc. for injuries she sustained May 2, 2006, while exiting a bus at a Holiday Inn in Jekyll Island, Ga.

According to a complaint filed April 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Miller tripped over a stool that had been placed in the aisle or stairway by the bus driver.

Miller claims the defendants should have known that the stool left in the aisle or stairway was unreasonably dangerous.

Represented by Nathan C. Lanter of Nelson & Nelson in Belleville, Miller is seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages plus costs of the suit.

She claims that numerous parts of her body and nervous system were injured and their existing condition impaired. She also claims loss of income, pain and discomfort, treatment expenses and permanent physical restrictions.