Belleville Kmart shopper seeks $50k after falling

A woman is suing Kmart and a cleaning contractor for injuries she claims to have sustained while visiting a Belleville Kmart on Sept. 11, 2008.

Lisa Groce filed a lawsuit Sept. 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Kmart; Kmart Corporation of Illinois, Kmart Stores of Illinois, and Interstate Cleaning Corp.

Groce claims she slipped and fell on a puddle of water in the back of the store near the bikes and lay-away department. She says she injured her back, leg and body in the fall and was treated for those injuries.

In addition to her injuries, the complaint states Groce experienced pain, suffering and disability and incurred medical costs. She also says she lost income.

Groce blames the store and its cleaning contractor Interstate Cleaning Corp. for creating and failing to warn customers about the puddle. She says no cones or signs alerted patrons. She also claims the defendants acted negligently in failing to maintain reasonable safety conditions at the store.

In her complaint, Groce seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-460