Charter customer claims he tripped over loose cable left in yard

A Belleville man has filed suit against the telecommunications company that he claims left a loose cable in his backyard, which he tripped over.

Robert E. Mister claims Charter Communications was installing cable at his home at 5 Sarpy Drive on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, 2009. During the installation process, a Charter Communications employee left a cable uncovered in Mister's yard, according to the complaint filed Dec. 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

"In the early morning of December 8, 2009, while it was still dark, Robert E. Mister walked into the backyard of the property located at #5 Sarpy Road, Belleville, Illinois, and tripped over the loose cable that was left in the backyard," the suit states.

Because of his fall, Mister sustained a torn rotator cuff and injuries to his left shoulder and left rib, the complaint says. In addition, he claims he suffered neck pain, broken dentures and a broken golden crown; incurred medical costs; experienced pain and suffering; and sustained disability.

Mister blames Charter for his injuries, saying it negligently failed to inspect his property, failed to warn Mister of the loose cable, failed to inspect the backyard to discover the loose cable, failed to cover the loose cable and failed to barricade the loose cable, among other negligent acts.

In his four-count suit, Mister is seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs.

Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-660.