Woman injured in TGIF's parking lot sues

A woman claims she stood in TGI Friday's parking lot when a driver suddenly struck her.

Jo Ellen Kassenbaum and William Kassenbaum filed a lawsuit Dec. 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Scott W. Dixon.

The Kassenbaums allege Jo Ellen Kassenbaum stood or walked through the parking lot at the Fairview Heights TGI Friday's parking lot on Dec. 27, 2008, at about 6 p.m. when Dixon struck her with his vehicle.

Because of the accident, Jo Ellen Kassenbaum fell to the pavement and sustained injuries to her back, hips, legs and neck, according to the complaint. In addition, she became hindered from attending to her usual duties, incurred medical costs and lost large sums of money, the suit states.

William Kassenbaum lost Jo Ellen Kassenbaum's material services, companionship, unity, society, affection, assistance and conjugal fellowship, the complaint says.

Jo Ellen Kassenbaum blames Dixon for causing the collision, saying he drove too fast, failed to change direction to avoid an accident, failed to reduce his speed, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to stop before striking Kassenbaum.

In their two-count complaint, the Kassenbaums seek a judgment of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Ted W. Dennis and Carson Menges of Freeark, Harvey and Mendillo in Belleville will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-665.