Pedestrian claims Dollar General failed to provide safe entrance

A St. Clair County woman has filed suit against Dollar General, alleging she broke a tooth after tripping on a sidewalk outside the store.

Mary Thomas claims she was stepping onto the sidewalk in front of the Dollar General located at 1653 Camp Jackson Rd. in Cahokia on May 4, 2009, when she fell.

Because of her trip, Thomas sustained a broken tooth and abrasions to her gums, lips, face and right knee and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint filed May 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. In addition, she experienced pain and suffering, sustained disability and lost her enjoyment of life, the suit states.

In her complaint, Thomas blames Dollar General for failing to provide a safe entrance to its store.

She also names store owners Edith L. Wolff and Dough Alton as defendants, saying they, too, were negligent by failing to maintain the store's sidewalk.

Thomas seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Michael L. McGlynn of Belleville will be representing her.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-226.