EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County resident Joe Seemiller is suing Edwardsville residents Shawn and Kenneathia Hagan after falling from their deck and allegedly suffering injuries.
According to the complaint, on June 26, 2021, Seemiller was invited to the Hagans' residence at 1991 Treasure Drive in Edwardsville. The home had an attached deck on the rear, which extended and wrapped around a large portion of the building. Seemiller claims that unknown to him, the deck had portions of railing missing. The deck was also not illuminated by any form of lighting. While visiting the Hagans, Seemiller was walking on the deck when he fell to the ground through a section of the deck with missing railing segments.
Due to the fall, Seemiller claims he suffered serious internal and external injuries. He has accrued medical expenses for said injuries and is expected to spend money on future treatments. Seemiller alleges he also lost money from his employer due to his condition and has been damaged regarding his future potential earning capacity.
The Hagans are each being sued by Seemiller on one count of negligence.
According to the official case filing, Seemiller claims the Hagans allowed a dangerous condition to exist on their premises when they should've known that visitors would be on the deck; failed to have proper deck lighting; failed to install a barricade or other form of protection to prevent Seemiller or another visitor from falling; failed to warn Seemiller about the deck's condition; and failed to properly maintain or repair the deck, leaving it as a potential hazard.
Seemiller is seeking a monetary sum of $50,000 or more from each defendant for a total of approximately $100,000 plus any additional costs for the lawsuit and other rewards that the court finds reasonable.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 23-LA-898