Fast Eddie's of Alton blamed for man's trip on rubber mats

A man has filed suit against the business where he claims he tripped on a pile of rubber mats, causing him to fall and suffer injuries to his face, head and brain.

Clint Francis claims he was visiting defendant Fast Eddie’s Bon-Aire at 1530 East Fourth St. in Alton on Nov. 26, 2010, when he attempted to exit the men’s room. However, unbeknownst to Francis, a stack of rubber mats had been stacked in the walkway, causing him to fall, according to the complaint filed Nov. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

In addition to his injuries, Francis incurred medical costs of $13,000 and suffered severe pain, the suit states.

Francis blames Fast Eddie’s for causing his injuries, saying it negligently failed to exercise due care to keep its walkways safe, failed to properly clear the walkways and failed to remove the rubber mats from the walkways, the complaint says.

In his complaint, Francis seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other relief the court deems just.

John B. Barberis Jr. of the Law Office of John B. Barberis Jr. in St. Jacob will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-1916.