Marching band volunteer sues Alton school district after tripping on 'flimsy platform'

James B. Bosomworth has filed suit against Alton Community Unit School District No. 11, alleging he injured himself after falling off a platform belonging to the school.

Bosomworth claims he was a volunteer parent for the Alton High School Marching 100 Band during a music festival in Wildwood, Mo., on Sept. 8 when the incident occurred, according a lawsuit filed Aug. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Bosomworth "was in the process of stepping out of the equipment trailer when he stepped onto a flimsy wooden platform and his feet slid out from underneath him causing permanent injuries and damages," the complaint states.

He claims he sustained injuries to his right arm and that the injuries are of a severe and permanent nature.

According to the lawsuit, Bosomworth has a permanent deformity and scarring to his right arm and cannot return to his normal daily activities.

Alton Community Unit School District No. 11 was negligent because it allowed a flimsy wooden platform to be used for accessing the Marching 100 band equipment trailer and failed to maintain a safe place for Bosomworth and other volunteers working with Alton High School Marching 100 band, the suit states.

Bosomworth seeks an amount in excess of $50,000 and any other relief the Court deems just and proper.

He is represented by John W. Hoefert in Godfrey.