A man claims he was seriously injured when he slipped on ice while making a delivery at Bella Milano.
Joseph Ford filed the complaint on Jan. 18 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Bella Milano Inc.
According to the complaint, Ford claims he was at Bella Milano’s Edwardsville restaurant on Feb. 15, 2020, when he allegedly slipped and fell on a patch of ice while approaching the rear door to make a delivery. He claims there was no snow or precipitation on the premises when he fell.
As a result, Ford claims he suffered serious injuries to his neck, back, right arm, right hand, left hand and buttocks. Ford claims he had to undergo surgical intervention for his lumbar spine following the incident.
Ford alleges the defendant had a duty to exercise ordinary care to ensure the area was reasonably safe. He also alleges the ice presented an unreasonable risk of harm,
Bella Milano is accused of negligently allowing water or another freezable liquid to leak onto the ground near the door during freezing temperatures, allowing the liquid to artificially accumulate and freeze near the door, failing to properly clear the ice off the ground, failing to warn guests about the dangerous condition, and failing to provide or maintain adequate lighting near the rear door.
Ford seeks a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus court costs, pre- and post-judgment interest, and all other relief the court deems just. He is represented by David Poe of Cantor Injury Law LLC in St. Louis.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 22-LA-58