EDWARDSVILLE - A meals on Wheels volunteer is suing a church after she claims to have slipped and fallen outside the premises.
Mary Rottmann filed suit June 4 in Madison County Circuit Court against The First Baptist Church of HIghland.
Rottmann states she was at the church on March 12, 2019, and was leaving when she tripped and fell outside the entrance near the sidewalk. She was leaving the church after helping out with the Meals on Wheels.
The plaintiff blames the lack of lighting that failed to illuminate the sidewalk. It put people, including Rottmann, at unreasonable risk of harm, according to the suit.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant knew or should have known, that there was a dangerous condition and it should have been known it would not be discovered by any individual.
Rottmann alleges First Baptist of Highland committed a "negligent or careless act" by failing to inspect, failing to remedy the dangerous condition, failing to warn, failing to train employees, and failing to provide lighting at or near the sidewalk.
Rottmann states she tripped and fell and sustained injuries to her body, some of which may be permanent, including injuries to her left wrist, according to the suit.
She claims she has endured pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of normal life. The plaintiff has also spent money on medical expenses.
Rottmann, who is seeking more than $50,000, is represented by Michael P. Glisson and Timothy J. Chartrand of Williamson, Webster, Falb & Glisson in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2020-L-0770