After requesting mediation, a Metro passenger has rejected a $3,000 arbitration award in a suit alleging his eye popped out of his head when the train doors closed on him as he was exiting.
On July 19, an arbitration panel awarded plaintiff Alvin Golliday $3,000 plus court costs.
Represented by Matthew Young of Belleville, Golliday rejected the arbitration award.
Golliday requested mediation on April 6, arguing that it would “be in the best interest of judicial economy if the parties could resolve the matter by mediation.”
Metro opposed the request.
“The parties are at an impasse and it is Defendant’s position that the mediation process will be futile in advancing either party’s interest,” the motion states.
Metro is represented by Terese Drew and Yvette Boutaugh of Hinshaw & Culbertson.
Metro disputes Golliday’s allegation that the door made contact with him in such a way as to cause his alleged injuries. Despite its denial of any wrongdoing, the defendant alleges it still attempted to resolve the case “for a fair and reasonable sum which Plaintiff has deemed unacceptable.”
Golliday filed the complaint on May 28, 2015, against Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District, doing business as Metro.
Golliday claims he was riding on the train on Sept. 14, 2014, when he was allegedly told to get off because the train was being taken out of service. As he was leaving the train, he claims the doors closed on him, causing him to be crushed and injured. He alleges his prosthetic eye popped out of his head and he had to walk around without an eye in his face for several months.
Golliday claims the agency carelessly and unexpectedly caused the train doors to close for no reason and without warning, failed to ensure the doorways were clear of patrons before closing the doors and failed to exercise reasonable care in operating the train.
Metro has denied the allegations against it, arguing that Golliday is exaggerating his injuries.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-320