Wood River Township sued by woman who trips on sidewalk

A Madison County woman and her husband have filed suit against Wood River Township, alleging the woman tripped on a piece of protruding pipe while at the township hall.

Debra Freeman claims she was attending a social event at the Wood River Township Hall on March 10, but slipped on a piece of pipe protruding from the sidewalk in front of the building as she was exiting the function.

Because of her fall, Debra Freeman suffered injuries to her right arm, leg and left foot; suffered pain of her body and mind; incurred medical bills; and lost money, according to the complaint filed Jan. 5 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Co-plaintiff Gary Freeman claims he has lost his wife's consortium and society.

The Freemans blame Wood River for allowing a protruding piece of pipe to remain at the sidewalk and for failing to warn Debra Freeman of the pipe's presence.

In the two-count suit, they seek a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

J. Robert Edmonds of Mormino, Velloff, Edmonds and Snider in Alton will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-4.