EDWARDSVILLE – Schnuck Markets, Inc. has removed a negligence lawsuit to federal court, which alleges a motorist was injured when the store's parking lot collapsed due to improper maintenance.
The lawsuit was originally filed by plaintiff Eric A. Holt in the Madison County Circuit Court against Schnuck Markets, Inc. Schnuck's filed a notice of removal to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois East St. Louis Division through attorney Ryan C. Turnage.
The defendant argues removal is proper based on the diversity of citizenship.
Schnuck states that since it is a citizen of Missouri, Holt is a citizen of Illinois, and the amount in question exceeds $75,000, complete diversity of jurisdiction exists in this matter. Therefore, it argues that removal to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois is proper.
According to the original lawsuit, Holt was driving through the parking lot of a Schnuck Market on July 20, 2020, when the ground in the parking lot collapsed beneath his vehicle. He claims the incident caused him to suffer physical injuries to his shoulder, knee and other parts of his body.
Holt claims Schnuck Markets was careless and negligent in its failure to properly maintain the parking lot and to warn patrons of the conditions of the area.
The plaintiff claims he has endured pain and suffering and that his injuries will affect his ability to earn income. The lawsuit states that Holt has incurred medical expenses and will continue to require the services of medical staff to recover.
Holt is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs. He is represented in this case by attorney Keith Short of Keith Short and Associates, P.C. in Alton.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:22-CV-1939