Golden Corral sued by woman who trips near buffet line

A Granite City woman who tripped over carpeting at a Collinsville Golden Corral restaurant is suing.

Karen Sue Ballard claims she was distracted by carrying a large tray that held several items when the alleged incident occurred on May 13, 2011, according to the suit filed March 6 in Madison County Circuit Court.

"Because Plaintiff carried her own tray, her vision of the area over which she was walking was obstructed," the complaint states.

Ballard claims that the restaurant was negligent by allowing the folded carpet to exist near the buffet line, knowing that a portion of carpet was folded and failing to warn and knowing the danger existed but failing to remedy it.

Ballard claims that she has suffered diverse injuries and has been forced to undergo a knee replacement. She also claims that she is likely to undergo a second knee replacement in the future.

She is represented by Ronald A. Roth of Roth Evans in Granite City.

The suit seeks damages in excess of $50,000.

Madison County case number 12-L-288