School librarian claims steps to classroom trailer removed without her knowledge

An Alton school librarian says she fell out of a portable classroom trailer after the stairs were removed without her knowledge.

Lynda Willings filed a lawsuit July 1 in Madison County Circuit Court against Gateway Towing Inc. and John Doe.

According to the complaint, Willings was working as a librarian at the Eunice Smith School in August 2011. She says she was working inside a temporary school trailer. Gateway Towing was allegedly hired by Alton School District No. 11 to install vinyl siding around the portable classroom.

While she was inside the trailer, Willings claims an unidentified employee of Gateway Towing removed the stairs from outside the classroom door without notifying anyone inside he was doing so. When Willings tried to leave the trailer she says she fell to the ground and hurt her right leg and shoulder.

Willings accuses Gateway Towing and its employee of negligence and asks for more than $100,000 in damages for medical expenses, lost wages and court costs.

She is represented by attorney Allan L. Napp of Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-1085