Happy Cow Cafe sued over customer's slip on water

A Belleville woman claims she was injured at The Happy Cow Cafe in Caseyville after slipping and tripping on water.

Julie Clement claims she was at The Happy Cow Cafe on July 8 when the fall occurred, causing permanent and disabling injuries to her right leg and knee, according to the complaint filed Feb. 24 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

In addition to her injuries, Clement sustained pain and mental anguish, became sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled and incurred medical expenses, the suit states.

She also claims she lost wages.

The Happy Cow Cafe was negligent by allowing water to accumulate on the floor, by failing to remove water from the floor, by failing to warn Clement of the water on the floor, by failing to inspect the premises to prevent the accumulation of water on the floor and by attempting to remedy the water on the floor by using a floor mat that was insufficient, according to the complaint.

The restaurant also negligently failed to install a non-slip surface or runner on the floor, the suit states.

Clement is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

Mark S. Schuver of Mathis, Marifian, Richter and Grandy in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0097.