Visitor sues O'Fallon homeowner after fall down stairs

A St. Louis man says the owners of an O'Fallon home are responsible for injuries he allegedly received when he fell down stairs leading to the basement.

Johnnie Robinson filed a lawsuit Aug. 3 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against homeowners Jimmy and Patricia Ross. Robinson accuses the couple of negligence.

Robinson says the alleged fall happened in October 2009 while he was visiting the Rosses at their Parkview Drive home. While walking down the stairs leading to the basement, Robinson says he slipped and fell.

The visitor says he seriously hurt his shoulder, neck, back, head, hip, groin and buttocks and required medical care to treat the injuries.

Robinson contends the Rosses are liable for his fall and subsequent injuries because they allegedly failed to inspect the stairs or warn that the handrail was missing. He says the missing handrail also constitutes a building code violation.

The St. Louis man is asking to be paid more than $50,000 in damages for medical bills, lost wages and court costs. Attorney Charles R. Scanlon of St. Louis, Mo. is representing Robinson. They ask for a jury trial.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-434.