American Water Works sued by Belleville resident

Sheila Kindhart of Belleville is suing American Water Works Service Co. for severe injuries she sustained last year after tripping over a water meter box near her property.

According to the suit filed May 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Kindhart stepped on the water meter box lid when the incident occurred Nov. 9, 2007, near 1103 North Charles St.

"[T]he lid flew up causing the Plaintiff to fall into a hole causing her to sustain severe and permanent injuries to her various body parts including but not limited to right leg, left leg, head, neck, back and other body parts," the complaint states.

Her husband Rob Kindhart is a co-plaintiff claiming damages for loss of services of his wife which prior to her injuries were of great value to him, the complaint states. He also claims medical expenses.

The Kindharts, represented by Steven E. Katzman of Belleville, are seeking in excess of $150,000 in damages plus costs.