EDWARDSVILLE — A mother alleges a Collinsville car crash resulted in the premature delivery of her child.
Jessica L. Howard filed a complaint on Sept. 28 in Madison County Circuit Court against Melissa A. Banovz, alleging that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care to avoid a collision. Howard's children -- Maleek Howard Hudson, Zayden Howard and Kobie Howard Hudson -- are also named as plaintiffs.
According to the complaint, the defendant abruptly and carelessly entered Vandalia Street and collided with the plaintiffs' vehicle. Jessica Howard sustained injuries, resulting in the premature delivery of Maleek Howard. Maleek Howard is disabled and requires special needs care for his lifetime. The other children also suffered bodily injuries and emotional distress.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant in an amount in excess of $50,000 for each plaintiff, plus costs. She is represented by John H. Leskera of Leskera Law Firm in Collinsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 18-L-1308