EDWARDSVILLE — A mother claims her son was shocked while using an electric grill, which then fell on him, because their landlord allegedly failed to make sure the electrical outlets in their rental unit were properly grounded.
Heather Cook, as mother and next of friend of Hunter Allen, a minor, filed a complaint March 8 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Matthew Newton and Bass Pro LLC, doing business as Cabela's, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, on July 9, 2020, Hunter Allen was opening an electric grill that was plugged into a kitchen outlet at the premises they were renting when he suffered an electrical shock and fell to the ground. The plaintiffs claim the grill was pulled down and fell on top of Allen. They allege Allen suffered injuries to his hand, wrist, arm and entire body. He also allegedly suffered anxiety.
The plaintiffs allege that the kitchen outlet was not properly grounded. They also allege Newton failed to inspect the electrical outlets and maintain the premises in a "good and safe condition" for his tenants.
The plaintiffs claim in their suit that the grill was purchased the day before the alleged incident at Cabela's and that they "have information essential to determine as to who should be properly named as additional defendants" in the suit.
The plaintiffs seek compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. They are represented by Keith Short of Keith Short and Associates PC in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-000297