EDWARDSVILLE — A woman is suing a tree trimming service, alleging she was struck by a wood chipper that was attached to the company's truck.
Bailey Watson filed a complaint March 17 in the Madison County Circuit Court against James Hodge doing business as Riverbend Tree Service, alleging vicarious liability.
Watson claims in her complaint that on Aug. 22, 2020, Hodge was leaving a property on East Bluff Lane in Godfrey. He was leaving in his truck, which had a wood chipper attached, to dump a load of tree limbs and trunks. Watson alleges she was walking near Hodge's truck when the wood chipper struck her, knocked her to the ground, traversed over her and caused her to suffer injuries.
Watson claims Hodge was negligent in failing to keep a proper lookout and for driving at an excessive speed. She also claims Hodge failed to have a "suitable number" of staff or employees at his tree trimming job site.
Watson seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. She is represented by Lanny Darr of The Darr Law Offices in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-000339