EDWARDSVILLE — A woman who fell over an elevation change in the exit way leading to the public sidewalk at a business in Bethalto and suffered injuries is claiming negligence.
Clara Couch filed a complaint Aug. 27 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Peach Investments LLC and Whitfield Insurance Agency Inc., doing business as Illinois Insurance Agency, alleging negligence and premises liability.
Couch alleges in her complaint that she was exiting the defendants' property on West Central Street in Bethalto on March 13, 2020, and "violently" fell onto the concrete sidewalk due to an "abrupt elevation change of the exit way" leading to the public sidewalk. She claims as a result of her fall, she suffered serious and permanent injuries, anguish and incurred "large sums" for medical treatment. Couch alleges the defendants failed to protect her from the hazard, failed to warn of the dangerous condition and failed to periodically inspect the exit way. She also alleges the defendants failed to have any markings, warnings about the defect or provide a hand rail for safe egress. Couch claims the defendants also violated building code requirements.
Couch seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. She is represented by attorney John Hustava in Collinsville and Bruce Mattea of The Mattea Law Firm in Collinsville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-001035