Family Dollar Store filed an amended notice of removal to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on July 10 through attorney Troy A. Bozarth and Daniel C. Lytle of HeplerBroom in Edwardsville.
The defendant argues removal is proper because diversity of citizenship exists and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
Plaintiff Mabel Ellison filed a lawsuit on April 10 against Family Dollar Stores of Illinois Inc., claiming it does business as Family Dollar Store No. 4168 in Alton.
Ellison alleges she was a customer at the store on June 8, 2014, when she allegedly slipped and fell on the floor. She claims she was not aware that the floor was wet until after she fell.
As a result of her fall, Ellison asserts she sustained serious injuries to her right shoulder and lower back, requiring medical treatment, the suit states.
She alleges the defendant should have known that the floor was wet and that its employees, who were allegedly obligated to exercise ordinary care to avoid harming customers, failed to warn patrons of the hazard, inspect and clean the area or supervise high-traffic areas.
Ellison seeks more than $75,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.
The plaintiff is represented by Craig Jensen of Meyer Jensen in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-499