Injured blind woman says she couldn't see edge of light rail platform

A blind woman is suing the Bi-State Development Agency of the Illinois-Missouri Metropolitan District because she says she was not able to see the edge of a platform on a light rail system, causing her to fall.

Starr Paul filed a lawsuit Sept. 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the agency.

Paul, a blind woman, claims she was riding on a light rail system in Belleville and was attempting to exit at Scheel Street when she fell on Jan. 17.

Paul blames her fall on the fact that the light rail system did not have a detectable warning, such as a painted yellow line, on the edge of the platform drop-off.

Because of her fall, Paul suffered injuries to her head, neck and body, according to the complaint.

Paul is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Charles H. Stegmeyer of Stegmeyer and Stegmeyer in Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-481.