EDWARDSVILLE – Ameren Illinois claims it had to pay more than $100,000 after an excavator damaged a gas line in Edwardsville.
Ameren Illinois Company of Edwardsville filed the lawsuit March 7 in Madison County Circuit Court against Mike A. Maedge Trucking Inc., alleging negligence and trespass.
According to the complaint, American Illinois owns an underground gas main near 694 Vandalia St. in Edwardsville, and on July 17, 2015, Maedge employees were excavating with a bulldozer to install a driveway at or near the gas line.
While working, the suit says, the defendant's employee allegedly hit and damaged the gas line.
According to the complaint, Maedge failed to submit a JULIE request to determine if a utility line was present where they planned to dig.
The defendant is accused of failing to exercise reasonable care while excavating near the gas line, failing to comply with the requirements of the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act, failing to provide proper notice to JULIE after damaging the gas line and being otherwise negligent while performing the work.
The suit also alleges the defendant trespassed on the plaintiff's property when it caused the damage to the gas line. The plaintiff claims it had to pay more than $104,000 to repair the gas line and for the leaked gas.
Ameren Illinois seeks $104,092 for both counts, plus pre-judgment interest and court costs. It is represented by attorney Edward Q. Costa of Samuels, Miller, Schroeder, Jackson & Sly LLP in Decatur.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-307