Hayrider's lawsuit in court Sept. 30; Discovery is ongoing

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Vincent Lopinot on June 24 reset a status conference in a lawsuit against a Millstadt woman being sued after a guest was allegedly run over by a hay trailer during a party she was hosting.

Jess E. Harvell filed suit Sept. 28 against Patricia Maul and Michael Harashe in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Harvell was a guest of Maul in October, 2010 at a party she was having at a ranch property in Columbia. At the party, Harvell says he was riding on a trailer hay ride when he was bounced off the front of the trailer and run over by it. The trailer was allegedly being pulled by a tractor driven by Harashe.

Lopinot set the status conference for Sept. 30 in an order signed June 24. His order stated discovery is ongoing.

Harvell accused Maul and Harashe of negligence for failing to provide a safe ride for guests. He asks for more than $50,000 in damages for medical expenses, lost wages and court costs.

Harashe denied the allegations in his response to the lawsuit and demanded a trial by jury.

Attorney Mark S. Peebles of Belleville represents Harvell.

Maul is represented by Dale L. Bode of Walker and Williams.

Harashe is appearing pro se in the case.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 12-L-518