BELLEVILLE — A man is suing an apartment owner and management company after suffering injuries when the railing on the staircase in his unit collapsed.
Dwayne Whitfield filed a complaint July 8 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against State Realty Property Management Company, alleging negligence.
According to his complaint, Whitfield was a resident at an apartment on Morgan Street in Swansea, which was owned and/or managed by State Realty Property Management. He alleges that on Jan. 11, he was using the stairs that led to and from his apartment. He claims that when he went to put his hand on the stair's railing, the railing broke and caused him to fall.
Whitfield claims he suffered injuries including a fracture to his "right lateral tibia plateau" as a result of the fall.
He alleges State Realty Property Management failed to inspect the railing, failed to look for dry rot, and failed to warn tenants "that the railing was unsafe" and "structurally deficient." Whitfield also alleges State Realty Property Management failed to repair or replace the hazardous railing.
He alleges he suffered emotional distress and incurred medical expenses that could continue into the future.
Whitfield seeks monetary relief of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. He is represented by Kenneth Leeds of St. Louis.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 20-L-518