BELLEVILLE — A patient is suing Carol Kadonsky, NP-C; Aaron Settler, DO; Memorial Hospital of Belleville; David P. Rawdon; and Family Physicians of Southern Illinois, alleging negligence in medical care.

Greggory G. Taylor filed a complaint on Dec. 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the defendants, alleging that they failed to refer him in a timely manner for appropriate treatment.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that as a result of the defendants' negligence, his condition went undiagnosed and untreated, causing him to suffer permanent pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement and medical expenses. The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because they allegedly failed to appropriately diagnose and treat signs and symptoms of renal cell carcinoma and failed to order timely follow-up testing.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in excess of $75,000, plus costs of this suit. He is represented by Thomas Q. Keefe Jr. of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-648

BELLEVILLE — An independent administrator of a deceased man's estate has filed a wrongful death claim against Cahokia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Eileen Hoag, RD, LD; and SW Financial Services Company, alleging negligence in nursing home care.

Bonnie Nichols, as independent administrator of the estate of Oddie Bibbs, filed a complaint on Dec. 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the defendants, alleging that they violated the Nursing Home Care Act and the Nursing Home Reform Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that while under the care of the defendants, Bibbs' condition deteriorated, contributing to and/or causing his death on Dec. 2, 2015. The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because they allegedly failed to provide comprehensive nursing home services in accordance with the standard care offered by healthcare providers in similar circumstances and allegedly failed to properly asses and treat Bibbs' medical conditions.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendants in an amount in excess of $75,000, plus costs of this suit. She is represented by Ross T. Anderson of Ross T. Anderson, Attorney at Law in East St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-643

BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing Colormaster Automotive Paint Inc. and Kevin D. Walk, property owners, alleging negligence and insufficient measures taken to prevent injuries.

Bonnie Rohr filed a complaint on Dec. 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the defendants, alleging that they breached their duty to exercise ordinary care and caution in maintaining their premises.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 8, 2014, she was lawfully at the defendants' premises, walking through the store, when she fell due to an unmarked step. As a result, she alleges, she sustained injuries to her body and has expended money necessary for medical care and treatment. The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because they defendants allegedly failed to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, failed to warn her of the dangerous condition and failed to provide safety precautions around the unmarked step.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against each defendant in an amount exceeding $50,000, plus costs of this suit. She is represented by Kirk A. Caponi of Williams, Caponi & Associates PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-646

BELLEVILLE — A hair stylist is suing after she allegedly slipped on snow or ice and injured herself.

Estella Frierson filed a complaint on Dec. 1 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against S&L Concessions LLC, doing business as Mission Essential Barber, and Lonnie Brock, alleging the employers failed to provide a safe place to work.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 1, 2014, while walking on the defendants' walkway, she slipped and fell due to an accumulation of snow, causing her to sustain serious, permanent and disabling injuries.

The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to exercise due care to properly remove snow and/or ice from the parking lot and/or walkways and failed to provide workers' compensation insurance to cover her injuries.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation for a reasonable amount in excess of $25,000, plus interest and costs expended for this action.

She is represented by Paul T. Slocomb of Hoffman Slocomb LLC in St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-642

BELLEVILLE — A patient claims several physicians failed to properly diagnose and treat his renal cell carcinoma.

Greggory G. Taylor filed a complaint on Dec. 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Carol Kadonsky, NP-C, Aaron Settler, DO, Memorial Hospital of Belleville, David P. Rawdon and Family Physicians of Southern Illinois, alleging they failed to refer him in a timely manner for appropriate treatment.

According to the complaint, Taylor alleges the defendants failed to diagnose and treat signs and symptoms of renal cell carcinoma. He also claims they failed to order timely follow-up testing.

Taylor alleges that as a result of the defendants' negligence, his condition went undiagnosed and untreated, causing him to suffer permanent pain, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement and medical expenses.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in excess of $75,000, plus costs of this suit.

He is represented by Thomas Q. Keefe Jr. of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-648

EDWARDSVILLE — A jogger is suing the City of Alton after he allegedly tripped and fell from a hole in the sidewalk.

Christopher Everage filed a complaint on Dec. 23, in the Madison County Circuit Court against the City of Alton, alleging the municipal corporation breached its duty to maintain the sidewalk in a reasonably safe condition.

According to the complaint, Everage alleges that on Sept. 21 he was jogging on the sidewalk at the intersection of Seventh Street and Central Avenue in Alton when he stepped into a hole that caused him to fall. As a result, he claims he sustained injuries that resulted in pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity and medical expenses.

The plaintiff alleges the City of Alton failed to inspect and repair the hole on the sidewalk and failed to barricade or otherwise warn users of the sidewalk.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation in excess of $15,000 but not more than $50,000, plus costs of suit.

He is represented by Robert D. Larson of Larson Law Office in Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1751

EDWARDSVILLE — An African American man is suing his employer and supervisor for allegedly discriminating against him.

Steven Edwards filed a complaint on Dec. 22, in the Madison County Circuit Court against America's Central Port District, LT Staffing Inc., doing business as Express Employment Professionals, and Jon Valle, alleging they violated the Civil Rights Act.

According to the complaint, Edwards alleges the defendants discriminated against him, subjecting him to harassment and a hostile work environment. He claims he was later terminated for engaging in a protected activity.

Edwards alleges that as a result of defendants actions, he has suffered and will continue to suffer loss wages and benefits, inconvenience, emotional distress, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against each defendant in excess of $50,000, costs of suit, pre-judgment interest and all other relief that the court deems just and proper.

He is represented by Michael J. Brunton and Mary M. Stewart of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1743

EDWARDSVILLE — An Alton car dealership employee is suing a maintenance provider for allegedly delivering wet floor mats, causing him to fall.

Keith St, Cin filed a complaint on Dec. 22, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Clean, the Uniform Co., alleging the maintenance provider negligently created a hazardous condition on the floor of the showroom.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 29, 2014, Clean delivered floor mats to plaintiff's employer, Quality car dealership in Alton City. As a result of defendant's negligence, he sustained injuries when he slipped and fell on the wet floor mat.

The plaintiff alleges Clean, the Uniform Co. failed to dry the floor mats prior to delivery and failed warn the dealership's employees that the floor mats it delivered were still wet and dangerous

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation in excess of $50,000, costs of this suit and all other relief that the court deems appropriate.

He is represented by Gregory M. Tobin of Pratt & Tobin PC in East Alton.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1738

A St. Jacob man was awarded more than a half million dollars by a Madison County jury last week over a slip and fall incident that occurred three years ago at a Casey's General Store in Highland.

Plaintiff James Lakin, 52, will receive $300,000 for the loss of a normal life and $250,000 for pain and suffering over an incident in which he claimed to have slipped on a clear liquid Dec. 27, 2013, and injured his right shoulder.

Store manager Paul Morence had been named a defendant, but jurors found him not liable for Lakin's damages.

Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge presided over a two-day trial that ended Jan. 5.

Months before trial, Casey's, represented by Douglas Teasdale of Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis, had moved for summary judgment arguing that store management had no constructive notice of the alleged spill.

On behalf of Casey's, Teasdale stated that the business could only be liable if a substance was placed on the floor through its negligence or placed there through acts of third parties.

"Plaintiff can produce no evidence or testimony ...that this 'clear liquid' was on the floor prior to Mr. Lakin's fall," Teasdale wrote. "Rather, two Casey's employees who were working at the time testified that they had walked through the exact area minutes before Plaintiff fell and found no substance on the floor."

Teasdale also argued that in-store video showed a store employee and Lakin's girlfriend walking through the area where the fall had taken place "without any liquid on the floor," approximately 30 seconds before the incident occurred.

Attorneys representing Lakin countered that defendants failed to take into account a report from Highland Ambulance Service which was completed within an hour of the incident.

According to the report, when the ambulance crew arrived on the scene, Lakin was sitting up on the floor next to the coffee machine awake and alert.

"Staff noted to EMS that another customer of theirs had spilled something earlier and that (they) have not quite had time to clean it up and this pt (patient) happened to slip and fall."

Lakin was represented by Armbruster, Dripps, Winterscheidt and Blotevogel of Maryville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-655.

A one-day personal injury trial ended with a defense verdict Jan. 4 for Baxmeyer Construction and its employee, who were found not negligent for injuries allegedly sustained by a pedestrian seven years ago in Maryville.

Plaintiff Harold C. Benne originally filed suit in 2011 against Baxmeyer and its employee Norman L. Price claiming he was struck by Price's vehicle while walking on Remington Lane in Maryville on Nov. 3, 2009. His attorney Gregory Tobin of East Alton voluntarily dismissed that complaint in April 2015 and re-filed it in June 2015.

Benne alleged that Price failed to keep a proper lookout, decrease his speed and stop in time to avoid a collision and properly apply his brakes.

He claimed temporary and permanent injuries, medical expenses, hindrance from attending to his usual duties and affairs, diminished everyday functioning, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses. He sought in excess of $50,000, attorney’s fees and costs.

Before last week's trial in Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder's court, parties had stipulated to a six-person jury.

Baxmeyer and Price, represented by David Simkins of Wuestling and James in St. Louis, had denied negligence for Benne's alleged injuries.

In the weeks leading up to trial, Tobin sought to exclude from evidence three traffic citations that Benne received in connection to the incident, including driving on a sidewalk, failing to stop at a traffic control signal in a construction area and failing to obtain a driver's license within 90 days.

Tobin also sought to exclude any mention or reference to the audiotape of the 911 call on the date of the accident.

Circuit Judge William Mudge had presided over the 2011 and 2015 litigation, but did not preside at trial due to another case on his docket being tried.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-773

Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge has granted a defense motion to move an injury suit against Norfolk Southern Railway Co. to Macoupin County where a fatal railroad crossing accident occurred nearly three years ago.

In an order dated Dec. 30, Mudge noted the lawsuit's connections to Madison County are limited to Alton attorney Michael Glisson, who was appointed guardian ad litem for plaintiff, and to the railroad, a Virginia-based corporation considered a resident of any county in Illinois where it does business because it has a registered agent in Springfield.

The lawsuit involves plaintiff Brian Irwin's claims against the railroad and engineer Bryan Dale Woolard of Decatur and conductor Jacob T. Wallis of Dalton City. Glisson is Irwin's guardian ad litem, but Irwin is represented by attorney Todd R. Nissenholtz of Cofman & Townsley in St. Louis.

According to Irwin's complaint, on Feb. 14, 2014, he was driving a truck westbound on St. John's Road in Litchfield. At the same time, a snowstorm was in progress, limiting visibility and covering the road, road signs and railroad crossing with approximately 5 inches of snow.

Irwin kept driving westbound when, without warning, the suit says, a Norfolk Southern train collided with the truck and killing his passenger Nicholas Rayphole.

In his analysis granting transfer, Mudge wrote that defendants' assertion that plaintiff engaged in forum shopping "is not substantiated by the record." The railroad's agent was served in Springfield and Norfolk Southern does business in Madison County, he wrote.

But even if venue in Madison County is proper, a forum non conveniens analysis "causes a court to look beyond the criterion of venue when it considers the relative convenience of a forum," he wrote.

Mudge weighed private and public interest factors.

"A plaintiff's right to select the forum is substantial," Mudge wrote. "However when the plaintiff is foreign to a chosen forum, and the action giving rise to the litigation did not occur in the chosen forum, the plaintiff's choice of forum is accorded less deference."

Mudge downplayed a Madison County "court congestion factor" argument advanced by defendants, writing that it is "relatively insignificant."

"But the record in this case concerning court congestion in the competing counties has not been challenged by the plaintiff except in a conclusory manner unsupported by any facts or data," he wrote.

Mudge also noted that a companion suit, a wrongful death action brought by the parents whose son was killed as a passenger in the incident, was transferred from Madison to Macoupin County by consent order on June 30.

In that suit filed in early 2016, Charles and Clara Rayphole, individually and as co-administrators of the estate of Nicholas Rayphole, seek damages from the same defendants.

The Raypholes, represented by Chelsea L. Fischer and Evan Buxner of Gori Julian & Associates in Edwardsville, allege the railroad failed to adequately maintain the black-and-white cross buck signs at the crossing because the signs were old and in disrepair and provided little warning to motorists, failed to install automatic gates and flashing light signals, failed to keep the right of way reasonably clear of brush, shrubbery, trees, weeds and other unnecessary obstructions, failed to stop or slow the train in time to avoid the accident, and failed to sound a proper audible warning, among other allegations.

In answer to Raypholes' complaint, the defendants deny negligence, arguing that Nicholas Rayphole entered a vehicle operated by someone he knew or should have known was under the influence of

The defendants in both cases are represented by Charles J. Swartwout and Andrew Corkery of Boyle Brasher in Belleville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-1531.

BELLEVILLE — A restrained passenger is suing an ambulance service provider after he was allegedly injured in a collision.

Madison County resident Jeremy Hicks filed a complaint on Dec. 15 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against O'Fallon Shiloh Emergency Medical Services, alleging the ambulance service provider breached its duty to operate its vehicle in a careful manner.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Nov. 11, 2015, he was a restrained passenger in the defendant's ambulance traveling on Interstate 64 when the vehicle crashed.

As a result of defendant's negligence, he alleges, the ambulance was involved in a collision that caused him to sustain injuries resulting in pain and suffering, lost wages and medical expenses.

The plaintiff alleges the defendant's driver operated the vehicle at a speed greater than reasonable and failed to concentrate on driving.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant in a sum in excess of $50,000, plus costs of suit.

He is represented by Jeremy A. Gogel of The Gogel Law Firm in St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1660

BELLEVILLE — A woman filed a wrongful death claim against Cahokia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, alleging a patient died as a result of negligent care.

Bonnie Nichols, as independent administrator of the estate of Oddie Bibbs, filed a complaint on Dec. 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Cahokia Nursing, Eileen Hoag, RD, LD, and SW Financial Services Company, alleging they violated the Nursing Home Care Act and the Nursing Home Reform Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that while under the care of the defendants, Bibbs' condition deteriorated, contributing to and/or causing his death on Dec. 2, 2015.

The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to provide comprehensive nursing home services in accordance with the standard care offered by healthcare providers in similar circumstances and failed to properly asses and treat Bibbs' medical conditions.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendants in an amount in excess of $75,000, plus costs of this suit.

She is represented by Ross T. Anderson of Ross T. Anderson, Attorney at Law in East St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-643

BELLEVILLE — A woman claims she was injured when she fell on an unmarked step at Colormaster Automotive Paint.

Bonnie Rohr filed a complaint on Dec. 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Colormaster Automotive Paint Inc. and Kevin D. Walk, alleging they breached their duty to exercise ordinary care and caution in maintaining their premises.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 8, 2014, she was lawfully at the defendants' premises. She was walking through the store when she allegedly fell due to an unmarked step.

As a result, Rohr alleges, she sustained injuries to her body and has expended money necessary for medical care and treatment.

The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, failed to warn her of the dangerous condition and failed to provide safety precautions around the unmarked step.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against each defendant in an amount exceeding $50,000, plus costs of this suit.

She is represented by Kirk A. Caponi of Williams, Caponi & Associates PC in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-646

EDWARDSVILLE — Two lenders are suing the developer of a trampoline park for allegedly failing to make payments.

Curtis L. Skallerup and Jeffrey Rutten filed separate complaints on Dec. 27, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Michael Anderson, alleging the debtor failed to comply with his contractual obligations.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that in May and June 2016, he loaned $70,000 to Anderson to develop a trampoline park. As of Oct. 31, four months after the park opened for business, the principal amount and $5,471.53 of revenue participation remains due and owing.

The plaintiffs allege the defendant failed to make payments of the revenue participation and on the principal balance when payments became due.

The plaintiffs each request a trial by jury and seeks judgment in his favor of $70,000 for the unpaid principal balance and $5,471.53 for revenue participation, attorney's fees, costs and expenses and all other relief as the court deems just and equitable.

They are represented by Kurt S. Schroeder of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale PC in Belleville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1757 and 16-L-1758

EDWARDSVILLE — Several residents are suing the Village of Hartford after the sewage system allegedly backflowed into their homes.

Chris Gilreath, Mandy Gilreath, Robert Budde, Harold Barton, et al, filed a complaint on Dec. 23, in the Madison County Circuit Court against the Village of Hartford, alleging the municipal corporation breached its duty to use reasonable care in the operation and maintenance of the sewer system.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, 2015, the defendant's sewer system allegedly malfunctioned and raw sewage backflowed into plaintiffs' homes.

As a result, they suffered extensive real and personal property damages, loss, sickness, personal injuries, discomfort and annoyance.

The plaintiffs allege the Village of Hartford failed to operate the sewer system in a safe and reasonable manner and failed to conduct timely, adequate and proper repair of the sewer system.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment in favor of plaintiffs in an amount in excess of $50,000 for each of them, costs incurred for this suit and all other relief as the court deems just and proper.

They are represented by Bob L. Perica and Tess M. Perica of The Perica Law Firm PC in Wood River.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1671

EDWARDSVILLE — A woman is suing Goodwill after she allegedly fell at the Glen Carbon store.

Dora Orasco filed a complaint on Dec. 21 in Madison County Circuit Court against Mers/Missouri Goodwill Industries, alleging the thrift store operator breached its duty to provide a safe environment.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Jan. 16, 2015, she was at the Goodwill store in Glen Carbon when she fell and was injured due to the store's defective racking.

The plaintiff alleges Goodwill negligently allowed its display rack to remain unstable, causing a trip hazard.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendant in a fair and reasonable amount exceeding $50,000, costs of this suit and such other just and proper relief.

She is represented by William K. Meehan of Meehan Law Firm in University City, Mo.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1735

BELLEVILLE — Several consumers are suing the manufacturers of Just For Men hair products after allegedly suffering chemical burns.

Steven J. Akerhielm, Robert Buchanan, Kenneth W. Dunaway Sr., et al. filed a complaint on Nov. 17 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Combe Inc., Combe Products Inc., Combe Laboratories and Combe International Ltd., alleging they supplied products that caused injuries.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they used the Just For Men products and applied them as directed, but suffered severe reactions including chemical burns, infections, irritation and swelling requiring medical treatment.

The plaintiffs allege the defendants defectively designed and manufactured Just For Men hair dyes and failed to provide adequate safety information and warnings regarding the risk of using the products.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against the defendants in an amount in excess of the jurisdictional limits of the court, costs incurred for this action and such other relief as the court deems just and proper.

They are represented by Eric D. Jackstadt and Paul J. Napoli of Napoli Shkolnik PLLC in Edwardsville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-613