EDWARDSVILLE – A Granite City resident is suing his landlords, alleging their property's basement steps were improperly maintained and caused him to fall.
Plaintiff Raymond Thornton filed a lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against defendants Duc and Jillian Le, citing negligence and carelessness.
According to the lawsuit, Thornton is a tenant residing at a Granite City property owned, operated and maintained by the defendants. Thornton claims that on Nov. 25, 2021, he was helping Jillian Le carry things to the basement when he fell down the stairs face first and seriously injured himself. Thornton claims the steps were defective. Specifically, he alleges the steps were uneven, explaining that some of the steps were too narrow and shallow in parts. He claims these defects were in violation of city and county building codes.
Thornton claims that as a result of his injuries, he has incurred medical costs and will continue to require medical care to recover from his injuries. He claims his injuries included fractured collarbone, fractured ribs, a fractured wrist and a dislocated shoulder. He alleges his injuries have caused him to lose wages and will impact his ability to earn income in the future and enjoy normal life.
The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. He is represented in this case by attorney Thomas G. Kemper of Butler & Kemper Law in Hillsboro, Mo.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2022LA001182