Homeowner sued by guest who trips in attic, falls through ceiling

Terry Hoppes filed a personal injury suit against Brian Patterson in Madison County Circuit Court May 12, alleging he failed to secure the flooring in his attic.

Represented by Victor Cook of Belleville, Hoppes claims she was a guest at Patterson's Collinsville home on Dec. 2, 2007, and entered his attic to retrieve Christmas decorations.

She claims that while retrieving decorations she stepped on a piece of unsecured plywood placed on the ceiling joists which made it tip and sent her falling on the joists and through the ceiling.

Hoppes claims Patterson failed to warn her of the hazardous condition of the flooring of his attic.

According to the complaint, Hoppes sustained severe and permanent injuries to her shoulder, spine, ribs and foot which caused and will continue to cause pain, lost wages and medical expenses.

She is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron.

08 L 401