Ruth
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth on April 25 set deadlines for witnesses' depositions and plaintiff's interrogatories in a personal injury case against owners of an Alton apartment building.
Ruth set the case for jury trial on May 6, 2013.
Isaacs Machado alleges a piece of ceiling fell on his head while he was sitting in his kitchen at his apartment located at 1118 East Seventh St.
About two months before the incident, Machado informed the apartment's owners, defendant Hellrung Properties, that the kitchen ceiling in his apartment was falling apart.
Hellrung Properties promised to have a maintenance man repair the ceiling as quickly as possible, according to the complaint filed Oct. 13 in Madison County Circuit Court.
"That approximately two months later, on the date of the incident, Plaintiff was sitting in the kitchen at the table, cooking his food in the microwave," the suit states. "While Plaintiff was sitting in the kitchen, a large piece of heavy plaster fell from the ceiling and landed directly on Plaintiff's head and neck, thereby greatly injuring him."
In addition to his head and neck injuries, Machado claims he incurred medical costs and has been unable to perform normal activities, the complaint says.
Machado blames Hellrung for allowing the incident to occur, alleging it failed to inspect the property and failed to maintain the ceiling in the kitchen.
Machado is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000.
Michael P. Glisson of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton will be representing him.
David Nester of Nester & Constance in Belleville represents Hellrung Properties.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-1040.