MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

A Madison County woman has filed suit against the landlord of a Granite City property over allegations that a banister broke from a rail, causing her to fall down steps.

Amber Hagopian claims she was invited to 2724 Iowa Dr., which was owned by defendant Robert Lowe, on Oct. 2, 2007.

As Hagopian was walking down the steps from the front porch and was using the handrail, the banister broke from the rail and caused her to fall down the steps, according to the complaint filed Sept. 30 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the incident, Hagopian suffered injuries to her neck, back, tailbone and buttocks, incurred medical costs and was made sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled, the suit states. In addition, she experienced pain and suffering, the complaint says.

Lowe was aware that his property, including the hand rail, had fallen into an unsafe condition and had even been notified of the problems before Hagopian's incident, she claims.

Lowe negligently maintained the property in a dangerous condition, allowed the front porch to be in a dangerous condition, failed to repair the front porch and banister, allowed a dangerous condition to remain on the premises, even though he had knowledge of it, and failed to take reasonable measures to protect those on the premises, according to the complaint.

Hagopian is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Van-Lear P. Eckert of Williams, Caponi, Foley and Eckert in Belleville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1043.