Metrolink denies liability in woman’s personal injury suit alleging she was injured after she slipped and fell on wet stairs as she was using its light rail system.
Lashunda Tucker filed her April 23 lawsuit against Bi-State Development Agency, doing business as Metro.
According to the complaint, Tucker claims Metro built, owns and/or operates public transportation facilities linking the City of Belleville to other points on the Metro light rail system, including the Memorial Hospital station in Belleville.
The plaintiff claims Metro had installed a stairway for passengers to use for approaching trains. She alleges that as she was attempting to descend the steps on Dec. 15, 2014, at approximately 6:45 a.m. in dark and rainy conditions, she slipped and fell, injuring her right wrist.
Tucker claims the defendant failed to warn approaching passengers of the wet conditions, provide a cover or roof over the area and adequate lighting and knew or should have known that the handrail and steps would become hazardous when wet.
Metro denied the allegations against it in its June 3 answer to the complaint. Instead, the defendant argues that any alleged injuries were the result of Tucker’s own negligence and careless conduct.
Circuit Judge Andrew Gleeson scheduled a status conference for Aug. 3 at 9 a.m.
Tucker seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.
The plaintiff is represented by the Law Office of Rhonda D. Fiss of Bellville.
The defendant is represented by Beth Kamp Veath of Brown & James in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-241