Dental office sued by wheelchair bound man claiming concussion

A man confined to a wheelchair has filed suit against his dental office, claiming he suffered a concussion after he attempted to roll his wheelchair over a four- to five-inch step that led to the entrance of his dental office.

Michael Bazzell, who is paraplegic, claims he was attempting to visit Granite City Dental Care on Jan. 10, 2012, for a dental appointment. However, the office did not have a ramp – only a four- to five-inch step leading to its front door, according to the complaint filed Aug. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

“Plaintiff attempted to enter the building by rolling his wheelchair over the four- to five-inch step,” the suit states. “Suddenly and without warning, plaintiff’s wheelchair fell backwards causing plaintiff to hit his head on the wall in front of defendant’s dental office and to hit his head on defendant’s cement sidewalk.”

Because of the fall, Bazzell incurred medical costs; suffered a concussion and migraine headaches; and endured neck, back and right arm pain, the complaint says.

Bazzell blames Granite City Dental Care for causing his injuries, saying it negligently failed to construct an accessible ramp, failed to warn patrons that it did not have an accessible ramp and failed to maintain its property.

In his complaint, Bazzell seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus other relief the court deems just.

Bill T. Walker of Granite City and James E. Parrot of St. Louis will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-1436.