East Alton roofer's trial continued to August

Although the courtroom was ready, the trial in a negligence suit against an East Alton roofing company did not happen as planned. The trial has been postponed to Aug. 17 due to an attorney's family emergency.

The 2004 suit was brought by Ronald Bottens of Alton against Eagle Window & Siding, an East Alton company he had hired to work on his roof.

According to the complaint, after hiring Eagle in August 2002, its workers failed to protect exposed areas of Bottens' roof from rain. The roof leaked, causing damage to the inside of his home, Bottens argues.

The plaintiff is asking for $195,147.04 for the damage and his living expenses and costs.

Eagle argues that Bottens is responsible for at least 50 percent of the damages, due to his action prior to the company taking over the roofing job.

Madison Circuit Judge Andy Mateosin is presiding. The trial was scheduled to have begun at 9 a.m.

Bottens is represented by Tori Lynn Cox of Reed, Armstrong, Gorman, Mudge & Morrissey P.C. Eagle is represented by Ted Harvey of Freeark, Harvey, Mendillo, Dennis, Wuller, Cain and Murphy P.C.

The case number is Madison case number 04-L-784.