Negligence suits end '09 and begin '10 in Madison County

Pair of negligence suits ends and begins Madison's new year
A negligence suit ended 2009 for Madison County's civil courts while another negligence suit began 2010.
The 2009 negligence suit was filed by plaintiff Pansy Rodgers against George Paynic and his funeral home, Paynic Home for Funerals in East Alton.
According to her complaint, Rodgers was at the Paynic funeral home at 618 E. Airline Dr. in East Alton on Jan. 3, 2008.
While walking in the driveway and carport area, she fell. Rodgers claims the defendants negligently failed to provide safe egress from the establishment, did not have a "cut out" in the concrete ledge on the outside edge of the carport, did not provide handrails or lighting and failed to warn customers of unsafe conditions.
Rodgers seeks damages in excess of $50,000.
Rodgers is represented by Joseph Reames of Wood River.
The case is assigned to Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder.
It was filed Dec. 31.
The first suit of 2010, filed by plaintiff Michael Minks, was filed Jan. 4.
Minks is suing Michael Atchison and is represented by Gregory Abel of Decatur.
According to his complaint, Minks was driving a car owned by Anna Villalobos northbound on Illinois Highway 159 on Feb. 25, 2009 near Collinsville. Atchison was driving a vehicle owned by the Illinois Department of Corrections in the same direction on 159.
Minks claims that Atchison negligently drove too fast, did not reduce his speed, failed to keep look-out, failed to stop at a right light and rear-ended Minks.
Minks claims he was injured in the crash. He claims he has been forced to seek medical attention for his injuries, has incurred medical bills, has experienced pain, lost wages and his normal life in addition to other damages.
He seeks damages in excess of $50,000 and costs.
The case is assigned to Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth.

The last 2009 lawsuit is Madison case number 09-L-1419.

The first 2010 lawsuit is Madison case number 10-L-001.