An O’Fallon woman accused of negligently handling knives and injuring a house guest has denied the allegations against her.
According to Chad J. Richter’s May 6 lawsuit, he claims he was lawfully on defendant Rachel Lea Brown’s premises on May 11, 2014, when Brown allegedly used one or more knives in such a manner that she should have known or anticipated that the plaintiff would be likely to intervene.
Richter claims he attempted to assist or rescue Brown when he suffered a severe eye injury
The plaintiff alleges Brown negligently and carelessly handled the knives unsafely, failing to control the knives, keep vigilant and avoid coming into physical contact with the plaintiff during the incident.
Brown denied the allegations against her in her July 7 answer through attorney John P. Cunningham of Brown & James in Belleville. She did not assert any affirmative defenses.
Associate Judge Randall Kelley scheduled a status conference for Nov. 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Richter seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus attorney’s fees and costs.
The plaintiff is represented by Mark Schuver of Mathis, Marifian & Richter in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-269