Alton broken sidewalk case goes to trial Monday

An Alton woman who fell on a broken sidewalk is going to trial in Madison County on Monday.

Plaintiff Mattie Walker-Bennett sued the City of Alton, the city's public works department, Illinois American Water Company, American Waterworks Service Company, Steve Ebbeler, Harold Garrison, the owner of Central Rivers Construction as well as Jerry and Donna Cannon over injuries she sustained in 2006.

Walker-Bennett settled with the city of Alton for $1,500 and with the Cannons earlier this month for $1,000. American Waterworks and Harold Garrison are also no longer parties to the suit, according to court records.

According to her complaint, Walker-Bennett was walking on Alby Street in Alton when she fell in front of 330 Alby St., the Cannons' home. She claims that the sidewalk was not maintained and that a water meter contributed to the disrepair of the sidewalk.

Walker-Bennett claims she suffered permanent injuries to her right ankle and foot. She also claims she suffered pain, stress, anxiety, embarrassment, and humiliation, loss of income and a diminished ability to work.

Walker-Bennett is suing the defendants on the grounds of premise liability.

The suit seeks damages of at least $50,000 and costs per each of the suit's counts.

Trial is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. in Circuit Judge Daniel Stacks' court.

Walker-Bennett is represented by Lance Mallon.

Illinois American is represented by Kenneth Halvack.

Steve Ebbeler is represented by Shane Moskop.

The case is Madison case number 07-L-630.