Editor’s note: A previous version of the story mistakenly stated that only nine trials went to verdict in 2016. An August verdict for $9.4 million and a September verdict for $6 million were left off the original story.

St. Clair County juries awarded nearly $15.5 million to seven plaintiffs in 2016, with a total of 11 civil cases going to verdict last year.

Circuit Judge Vincent Lopinot was the only circuit judge to preside over a case, with three trials held in his court.

Associate Judge Heinz Rudolf presided over the most cases, with six lawsuits going to verdict in his courtroom.

Associate Judge Randall Kelley presided over two cases.

Of the 11verdicts, six involved civil cases in the law division, where the plaintiff sought more than $50,000 for damages. The remaining cases were in the arbitration division.

Two of the cases reached multi-million dollar plaintiff verdicts. Both were held in Lopinot's court.

One of the cases reached a plaintiff verdict for $30,883, but later settled for an undisclosed amount after the plaintiff sought more money.

On Jan. 27, 2015, a St. Clair County jury returned a verdict in favor of defendant Dahm & Schell, doing business as The Edge, after deliberating approximately 20 minutes (07-L-9).

The three-day trial was held in Kelley’s courtroom.

Plaintiff April Kassebaum was attending a birthday party at The Edge in Belleville on March 18, 2006. She had been drinking beer and was wearing heeled shoes when she got on a motorized rotating rock climbing wall around midnight.

Kassebaum jumped off the wall from about three feet onto a four-inch mat when she broke her kneecap. She accused The Edge and owners Keith Schell and Mary Dahm of negligence.

The plaintiff was represented by Patrick Foley of Foley & Kelly in Belleville.

The defendants were represented by John Cunningham of Brown & James in Belleville.

On Feb. 23, a St. Clair County jury entered a verdict for plaintiff Angela Taylor, awarding her $30,000 in the car accident suit (13-L-217).

The two-day trial was held in Kelley’s courtroom.

Taylor alleged that she was injured in a collision with defendant Ruthie McDonald on Sept. 6, 2011. McDonald admitted that her negligence caused the collision, but denied that Taylor suffered injuries and damages to the extent alleged.

McDonald filed a motion for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence, arguing that Taylor failed to prove her allegations. She argued that evidence shows her alleged negligence did not cause injuries or damage to Taylor.

The plaintiff was represented by Steve Katzman and Daniel Katzman of Katzman & Sugden LLC in Belleville.

The defendant was represented by Brent Salsbury of Boggs Evellino Lach & Boggs in St. Louis.

On March 11, a St. Clair County jury entered a verdict in favor of defendant Robert Bonner in a suit alleging breach of contract (13-AR-1153).

The three-day trial was held in Rudolf’s courtroom.

Plaintiff Little Egypt Golf Cars argued in its complaint that it leased golf cars to Bonner, who signed on behalf of Grand Maris Golf Course. However, Little Egypt alleged Bonner failed to return 14 golf cars and one utility golf car at the end of the lease term in April 2011. Bonner allegedly returned a utility vehicle in damaged condition.

Little Egypt filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict on April 8, arguing that the jury’s verdict was against the manifest weight of the evidence. The plaintiff requested the court enter a judgment for $31,500 for the missing golf cars and $2,787 for the unpaid rent and damage to the utility vehicle.

Bonner denied the allegations and denied Little Egypt was damaged to the extent claimed. He also alleged that he was personally shielded from liability by virtue of his limited liability company Bonrco, which was added as a defendant the day the trial began.

The plaintiff was represented by Troy Payne of Oldfield Myers Apke & Payne Law Group in Vandalia.

The defendant was represented by Kyle Oehmke and James Brodzik of Hinshaw & Culbertson in Edwardsville. Hinshaw & Culbertson was granted leave to withdraw as counsel on Aug. 25 after Bonner terminated his attorney-client relationship. Untress Quinn of Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard in O’Fallon entered his appearance as defense attorney.

On April 19, a St. Clair County jury entered a verdict in favor of plaintiff Bruce Adams, awarding him $3,074.66 in a car accident suit (14-AR-645).

The three-day trial was held in Rudolf’s courtroom.

Adams alleged he was driving his vehicle on Frank Scott Parkway on June 6, 2012, when defendant Zachary Montgomery allegedly rear-ended the plaintiff.

Adams filed a motion for a new trial on damages or additur on May 18. He argued that the jury “ignored a proven element of damages, and the damages awarded are palpably inadequate. The jury ignored a proven element of damages when it only awarded partial medical expenses which were incurred as a result of Plaintiff’s neck and back and spine injuries, but failed to award any damages for pain and suffering.”

The plaintiff was represented by Blake Meinders of Sprague and Urban in Belleville.

The defendant was represented by Chery Callis and Demetra Sotiriou of Kortenhof McGlynn & Burns LLC in St. Louis.

On May 25, a St. Clair County jury ruled in favor of plaintiff Sharon Reed, awarding her $14,000 in a car accident suit (15-AR-311).

The one-day trial was held in Rudolf’s courtroom.

Reed alleged she was driving her vehicle on Oct. 27, 2014, when she was rear-ended by defendant Kayli VanHoutin, who admited liability for the accident.

The plaintiff was represented by Keith Short of Collinsville.

The defendant was represented by Gary Wiseman of Rouse & Cary in St. Louis

On July 12, a St. Clair County jury entered a verdict in favor of plaintiff Shirley Cooper, awarding her $30,883.08 in a car accident suit (15-AR-484).

The two-day trial was held in Rudolf’s courtroom.

Cooper alleged she was driving her vehicle on 10th Street on Nov. 7, 2013, when defendant Daniel Gessford allegedly ran a red light and collided with her vehicle. The defendant denied liability and argued that the collision was a result of Cooper’s negligence.

Cooer filed a motion for additur, arguing both parties agreed that her medical bills amounted to $27,958, but she was awarded $26, 656 in medical expenses.

“[T]he jury’s failure to award that undisputed amount is clear error, and the only appropriate correction is additur,” the motion states. The case was later settled for an undisclosed amount and dismissed on Oct. 27.

The plaintiff was represented by Andrew Toennies of Lashly & Baer in St. Louis.

The defendant was represented by Paul Travous of Zimmer & Associates in St. Louis.

On Aug. 4, a St. Clair County jury returned a verdict in favor of defendants California Casualty Insurance and Exchange and California Casualty Management Company in a case alleging insurance fraud (11-L-597).

The four-day trial was held in Rudolf’s courtroom.

Plaintiffs Jarvia and Nickey Bryant alleged their two-story home caught fire after Christmas in 2009 as a result of a faulty space heater in the basement. They alleged the insurance company failed to pay them in full for the damages. The defendants argued that the plaintiffs filed fraudulent reimbursement requests, including claims for tanning salon use and Rams tickets.

The plaintiffs were represented by Kenneth Brennan of KenBrennan Law in Collinsville

The defendants were represented by John Cunningham of Belleville.

On Aug. 4, a St. Clair County jury entered a verdict in favor of defendant Dr. Donald Serot in a medical malpractice suit (06-L-708).

The trial was held in Lopinot’s courtroom.

Plaintiff Robert Thompson alleged Serot treated him for knee problems between 2002 and 2005, and eventually performed a left knee replacement surgery on April 5, 2005. Thompson claimed Serot improperly positioned the tibial component and improperly performed the tibial cut during his knee replacement.

Thompson filed a motion for a new trial on Sept. 2. He argued that he was prejudiced when he was denied his offered jury instruction regarding an advance inference for Serot’s failure to produce a complete surgical record that documented the unsuccessful knee replacement surgery. He also argued that the court granted his motion in limine restricting comment, argument or mention of the medical condition of Serot or his spouse, which was allegedly violated when Serot’s counsel made specific mention of the defendant’s wife’s cancer diagnosis during opening statements. Finally, he argued that the evidence of Serot’s alleged negligence was substantial, making the jury’s verdict against the manifest weight of the evidence.

Lopinot denied the motion for a new trial on Nov. 1. Thompson appealed on Dec. 1.

The plaintiffs were represented by John Papa of Callis, Papa & Szewezyk in Granite City.

The defendant was represented by Ted Dennis of Freeark, Harvey & Mendillo in Belleville.

On Aug. 19, a St. Clair County jury ruled in favor of plaintiffs Craig and Yvonne Spencer, awarding them $9.4 million in a workplace injury suit (13-L-293).

The one-week trial was held in Lopinot’s courtroom.

Spencer alleged he was injured in October 2010 when co-workers were descending a ladder and landed on his head at the Prairie State Energy Campus in Marissa. As a result, Spencer suffered two broken discs. Spencer was employed with Bechtel Corp. Defendant API Construction provided insulation and lagging services during the project’s construction.

The Spencers were represented by Thomas Q. Keefe, Jr of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell in Belleville.

API was represented by Douglas Heise of Heyl Royster in Edwardsville.

On Sept. 19, a St. Clair County jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff Edward Kimme, awarding him $6 million in a suit alleging he was injured while riding in the back of a work truck (11-L-30).

The six-day trial was held in Lopinot’s court.

Kimme alleged defendant Danny Shannon was operating a construction truck and was rear-ended when he pulled in front of another vehicle while driving on I-255 near the junction with I-64.

Kimme filed his claims with co-plaintiff Dennis Knutt, who was also injured in the accident, in a joint 2011 lawsuit against defendants Highway Technologies and Shannon. The two cases were litigated together until trial, when they were tried separately. Knutt’s case settled on Sept. 1 for an undisclosed “significant” amount.

Kimme was represented by Gregory Shevlin of Belleville.

Highway Technologies and Shannon were represented by Sanchez Daniels and Hoffman in Chicago.

On Dec. 14, a St. Clair County jury ruled in favor of plaintiff Shalawn Chambers, awarding her $13,588 in a car accident suit (15-AR-448).

The one-day trial was held in Rudolf’s courtroom.

Chambers alleged her son Ernest Chambers was a passenger in her vehicle while traveling on Sherman Street in Belleville on June 4, 2013. She claimed Ernest Chambers was injured when defendant Yelana Moton rear-ended her vehicle. Moton admitted she was negligent in the operation of her vehicle but denied Chambes was injured to the extent claimed.

The plaintiff was represented by Chet Kelly of Foley & Kelly in Belleville.

The defendant was represented by Roger Wilson of St. Louis.

EDWARDSVILLE - A real estate buyer is suing the sellers for allegedly misrepresenting the property's flooding problems.

Jessica Wyatt filed a complaint on Dec. 30, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Carrie and Nathan Heineman, alleging they made false statements to induce her to purchase their property.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that in February 2015, she entered into a contract to purchase the defendants' real estate property with improvements located at 2600 Tulane in Alton. However, she claims the defendants falsely represented that they were not aware that their property has flooding or recurring leakage problems.

As a result of the defendants alleged false statements, Wyatt claims she was damaged for purchasing a real property that has a flooding problem, the suit states.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in her favor in an amount exceeding $50,000, litigation costs and any other relief that the court may deem just and fit.

She is represented by Bill T. Walker of Bill T. Walker, Attorney and Counselor at Law in Granite City.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1781

Ten civil cases arising from Madison and St. Clair counties will be argued at the Fifth District Appellate Court this week.

On Thursday, an Indiana trucking company seeking to transfer a 2015 personal injury case out of Madison County is likely to argue that Effingham County is a more convenient court for the litigation.

Circuit Judge Andreas Matoesian in June denied a motion to transfer or dismiss on forum non conveniens brought by defendant Central Trucking Inc.

Missourians Michelle Orf and Laura King sued the company and driver David Rogers over a 2013 rear-end auto accident that occurred in Effingham.

The plaintiffs, represented by attorney Lanny Darr of Schrempf, Kelly, Napp & Darr in Alton, accuse Rogers of inattentiveness, excess speed, following too closely and failing to take actions to avoid collision. They claim serious injuries and medical expenses.

Central Trucking, represented by Barry Noeltner of Heyl Royster in Edwardsville, argues that the suit has no connection to Madison County.

Citing public interest factors in its motion to transfer or dismiss, Noeltner wrote that at the end of 2013, Madison County had 4,855 major civil cases pending where Effingham County had only 92 major civil cases - ones in which plaintiffs are seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages.

"In addition, in 2013, 52 such cases were filed in Effingham County, while 2,206 such cases were filed in Madison County," he wrote.

"With respect to the time to reach trial, in 2013 there were two Effingham County civil trials in law cases ...while there were ten such trials in Madison County. For those two trials in Effingham County, the average time that the cases were pending was 31.5 months, as opposed to the ten trials in Madison County where the average time to trial was 39.2 months.

"That means it took eight months longer to get to trial in Madison County as opposed to Effingham County.

"Not only is Effingham County more convenient, but Madison County has absolutely no interest in the outcome of this case. The plaintiffs do not reside in Madison County nor do either of the defendants."

Another Madison County suit that will be argued at the appellate court is Crane v. Midwest Sanitary Service Inc., a case in which Madison County jurors awarded former truck driver Paul Crane, Jr. $785,000 in November 2015 over his retaliatory discharge claims.

Crane had alleged he lost his job with the Wood River company after reporting the alleged illegal dumping of toxic waste to the Environmntal Protection Agency.

The jury in Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth's court awarded Crane $160,000 in compensatory damages and $625,000 in punitive damages.

Crane was represented in the case by Lee W. Barron of Alton.

Midwest Sanitary was represented at trial by John Gilbert of Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard in Edwardsville.

The company had claimed that Crane was terminated because “his attitude became increasingly inappropriate. He was frustrated and angry and voiced his frustrations and anger to customers and employees of Midwest Sanitary Service, Inc.”

The Crane case will be argued on Tuesday.

Another Madison County case to be argued this week is an appeal brought by a plaintiff claiming Edwardsville attorney David Fahrenkamp, acting as a guardian ad litem, failed to protect money she was awarded in a vehicular collision claim while a minor.

Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder granted summary judgment to Fahrenkamp in July.

Alexis Nichols, formerly known as Alexis Brueggeman, claims Fahrenkamp, during his appointed time as guardian ad litem, allowed Nichols' mother to withdraw money from the account that held the funds Nichols was awarded.

Crowder held that, "Where the court-appointed individual acts within the scope of his or her appointment to give advice to the court regarding the best interest of the minor for use in the court's decision-making process, that individual must be subject to the same immunity as the court."

Nichols is represented by Charles W. Armbruster III and Michael T. Blotevogel of Armbruster, Dripps, Winterscheidt & Blotevogel in Alton.

Fahrenkamp has acted pro se. 

Other cases to be argued at the Fifth District:

Beard v. Jeter - St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 14-L-661

Plaintiff Josie Lee Beard, special administrator of the estate of Dennis James Beard, a construction worker killed near mile marker 13 on I-64 in May 2012, filed suit two years later against Michael Jeter and John Thomas, Inc.

The suit claims Beard "was struck by a Vorteq trailer mounted crash attenuator” after it was hit by a vehicle. The trailer was sold by John Thomas, Inc.

Beard accuses John Thomas, Inc. of wrongful death for allegedly designing, manufacturing and improperly assembling a defective piece of equipment. She says the attenuator’s anti-rotational design “failed to engage, allowing the device to rotate and strike Dennis James Beard, who was standing adjacent” to it.

Beard is represented by Bruce R. Cook and Bruce N. Cook of Belleville.

Douglas R. Heise of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen in Edwardsville represents John Thomas, Inc.

Jan. 24

9 a.m. - Wehmeyer v. Caterpillar, Inc., St. Clair County

10 a.m. - Cavalry SPV I, LLC v. Call, St. Clair County

11 a.m. - Zweig, Terry L., et al., v. Schon, Randy, et al., Madison County

Jan. 25

10 a.m. - Jones, Anne v. Jones, David A., Madison County

11 a.m. - In re Marriage of Haertling, St. Clair County

Jan. 26

9 a.m. - In re Marriage of Rouse, St. Clair County

EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist is suing another driver for allegedly causing a Glen Carbon rear-end accident.

Douglas and Jeanne Wojcieszak filed a complaint on Jan. 17, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Erika K. Gehlbach, alleging she failed to maintain proper control of her vehicle.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on July 25, 2015, Douglas Wojcieszak was driving a 2004 GMC Envoy traveling westbound on North Main Street. He was stopped at the intersection of East Ingle Drive in Glen Carbon when he was allegedly rear-ended by Gehlbach's vehicle.

As a result, Douglas Wojcieszak claims he sustained injuries resulting in medical expenses, lost wages and benefits and loss of enjoyment of life. Jeanne Wojcieszak claims she suffered loss of support and companionship of her husband.

The plaintiffs alleges the defendant operated her vehicle at a speed greater than reasonable, failed to reduced speed to avoid collision and failed to concentrate on driving.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury, seek compensation for their alleged damages and losses, plus costs of suit and other relief as the court deems just.

They are represented by David I. Cates of Cates Mahoney, LLC in Swansea.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-30

EDWARDSVILLE — Granite City residents are suing Madison County after the sewer system allegedly backed up into their home.

Robert and Donna Scaturro filed a complaint on Jan. 9, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Madison County, alleging the county failed to provide a safe sewer system.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on Jan. 17, 2016, Madison County sewers backed up at the plaintiffs' home, causing their home to be flooded with "foul" water and disease-causing elements.

As a result, they claim they suffered serious and debilitating injuries and damage to their property.

The plaintiffs allege Madison County willfully and wantonly recommended an inadequate and defective check valve.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against the defendant for the costs of repair, attorney's fees and costs in an amount in excess of $50,000.

They are represented by Ronald A. Roth of Roth Law Offices LLC in Granite City.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-25

EDWARDSVILLE — A motorist alleges she suffered injuries in a car accident on Triad Road.

Sharon and Craig Wasser filed a complaint on Jan. 12, in the Madison County Circuit Court against David Cavaness, alleging he struck Sharon Wasser's vehicle.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on April 3, 2016, Sharon Wasser was stopped to turn left onto Triad Road when the defendant allegedly struck Wasser's vehicle.

As a result, she claims she suffered multiple injuries, disability, loss of her normal life and daily earnings and benefits. David Cavaness claims he suffered medical care and other expenses for her injuries as well as lost the support, society and companionship of his wife.

The plaintiffs allege Cavaness carelessly failed to reduce speed, operated his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and failed to keep proper lookout.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek compensation for all damages, costs expended for this action and for such other relief which this court considers just and proper.

They are represented by Alan G. Pirtle and Eli Roberts of Brown & Crouppen, P.C. in St. Louis, Missouri.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-44

EDWARDSVILLE — A woman claims she was injured when another motorist caused a collision on Nameoki Road.

Erin McCauley filed a complaint on Jan. 9, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Robert B. Hellhung, alleging he failed to stop his motor vehicle to avoid rear-ending the plaintiff's vehicle.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Feb. 13, 2015, McCauley was operating her motor vehicle in a southerly direction on Nameoki Road where it intersects with Amos Avenue when Hellhung allegedly collided with McCauley.

As a result, the plaintiff claims she suffered severe head and body injuries, resulting to disability, medical expenses and impairment of earning capacity.

The plaintiff alleges Hellhung failed to keep a proper lookout, violated highway provisions of proper rate of speed and operated a vehicle without being equipped with brakes adequate enough to stop his vehicle.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgement against the defendant in a sum of money in excess of $50,000, adequate to fairly and reasonably compensate her for her damages, plus costs of this suit.

She is represented by John H. Hustava of John H. Hustava, Attorney at Law in Collinsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-26

EDWARDSVILLE — A passenger alleges she was injured when another motorist ran a stop sign.

Michelle Hedger filed a complaint on Jan. 6, in the Madison County Circuit Court against Tracy Schaefer and Alexandra Nagy, alleging negligence.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 8, 2015, she was a passenger in a motor vehicle traveling in an easterly direction on East 4th Street. Hedger alleges the vehicle was stopped at a stop sign located at the intersection with Henry Street when the defendant's vehicle entered the intersection and collided with the plaintiff's vehicle.

As a result of the collision, the plaintiff claims she suffered physical injuries resulting in disability, mental distress and medical expenses.

The plaintiff alleges Nagy failed to maintain a proper lookout, disobeyed a stop sign and negligently failed to stop or changed the course of the automobile to avoid collision. Schaefer negligently and carelessly entrusted her vehicle to Nagy, the suit states.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendants for a monetary award for a sum of in excess of $50,000.00 and costs of this suit.

She is represented by Eric M. Terry of TorHoerman Law LLC in Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-22

BELLEVILLE — A motorist and her passengers are suing another driver for allegedly causing a rear-end collision.

Tanya Anderson n/k/a Koller, individually and as natural mother of Andrew Anderson; Andrew Anderson; Larry Hooker, as natural father of Holly Hooker; and Holly Hooker filed a complaint on Dec. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dominick Young, alleging the defendant breached his duty to operate his motor vehicle with reasonable care and caution for the safety of others.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on April 19, 2011, Tanya Anderson was operating a vehicle with the other plaintiffs as passengers when Young allegedly rear-ended the plaintiffs' vehicle.

As a result of the crash, the plaintiffs claim they sustained injuries resulting in disability, loss of normal life and medical expenses.

The plaintiffs allege Young failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle and failed to keep careful lookout for other vehicles on the road.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against the defendant in a sum exceeding $50,000 for each plaintiff and all costs expended for this action.

They are represented by Justin B. Mattea of Justin B. Mattea Law LLC in Collinsville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case number 16-L-676

BENTON — A former SIUE student alleges she was wrongfully expelled from law school.

Julie Bullock filed a complaint on Jan. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois Benton Division against the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University School of Law, Christopher Beham and Cynthia Fountaine, alleging they violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

According to the complaint, Bullock alleges the defendants wrongfully expelled her from law school, causing her to lose her Illinois Bar 711 license and her externship with the state's attorney's office.

As a result, Bullock alleges she suffered permanent damages, loss of professional reputation and severe emotional distress.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory damages in excess of $75,000, plus interest, attorneys' fees, costs and disbursement of this action and all other relief as justice may require.

She is represented by Bryan E. Drew of Drew & Drew PC in Benton and Jason J. Bach of The Bach Law Firm LLC in Las Vegas.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois Benton Division

EAST ST. LOUIS — A former executive director of the Marion County Housing Authority is suing the authority and its commissioners for allegedly terminating her employment without a reasonable explanation.

Allison F. Austin filed a complaint on Jan. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against the Marion County Housing Authority, Georgia Miller, Brenda Lingafelter and Richard Gregg, alleging they violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

According to the complaint, Austin alleges she was wrongfully terminated from her employment with the Marion County Housing Authority on Dec. 14, 2016, without a reasonable explanation.

The plaintiff alleges she suffered lost wages and benefits, loss of her position and emotional and mental distress.

Austin alleges the defendants defamed her, breached a contract and terminated her from her employment without affording her due process of law.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation for special, general and punitive damages, costs of the suit, attorneys’ fees, pre- and post-judgment interest and any other proper relief.

She is represented by Lance T. Jones of HeplerBroom LLC in Springfield.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:17-cv-00005

According to the complaint, the Gardners allege the defendants continued to inform credit reporting agencies that the plaintiffs were delinquent in payments despite a notice of dispute, reducing their credit score and causing them to suffer denied credit applications.

As a result, the plaintiffs allege they suffered out-of-pocket expenses, loss of business transactions and opportunities, diminished market value of their home and fear of losing their home.

The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek an award for all damages, attorneys’ fees and such further relief that the court deems just and proper.

They are represented by Thomas R. Ysursa of Becker, Hoerner, Thompson, & Hoerner PC in Belleville.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:17-cv-00035

BELLEVILLE — The special administrator of a deceased girl's estate is suing the deceased pilot after the girl was killed in a plane crash.

Jamie Lane, as special administrator of the estate of Sierra Lynn Wilder, filed a complaint on Dec. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Gerald Martin Gutzler, administrator of the estate of deceased pilot Gerald martin Gutzler II, alleging wrongful death.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Jan. 2, 2015, Gutzler was a pilot operating a Piper PA34 twin-engine aircraft when it crashed and killed both the pilot and Wilder.

As a result, Lane alleges she was depriving of Wilder's love, service and support.

The plaintiff alleges Gutzler operated both of the aircraft engines from one fuel tank, causing the engines to stop when that tank ran dry.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation in an amount in excess of $50,000, plus costs expended for this action.

The plaintiff is represented by Gregory M. Skinner of Gregory M. Skinner Law in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-677

BELLEVILLE — A woman is suing a carpenter after she allegedly injured herself when she fell through a hole in the floor.

Robyn O'Donnell filed a complaint on Dec. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Ryan Shelton, alleging the contractor failed to maintain the premises in a safe condition.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Dec. 21, she was a business invitee on the premises where the defendant was working when she fell through a hole in a floor that was covered with soft plastic.

As a result, she claims she sustained serious injuries and medical expenses.

The plaintiff alleges Shelton failed to provide warning of the dangerous condition.

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

She is represented by Andrew T. Toennies and Rodney D. Fourez of Lashly & Baer PC in St Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-679

EAST ST. LOUIS — A Du Quoin woman filed a class-action lawsuit against a debt collector for allegedly collecting an improper "convenience fee."

Amy Kristen, of Du Quoin, filed a complaint on Jan. 6 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Credence Resource Management LLC, alleging the debt collector violated the Illinois Collection Agency Act and the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff claims that on Jan.18, 2016, she made a $6 online payment toward an alleged cell phone debt, of which $5 allegedly went to an improper "convenience fee."

The plaintiff alleges the defendant unlawfully engaged in unfair and deceptive acts and practices by charging and collecting the "convenience fee."

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory, punitive, statutory and actual damages, attorney's fees, litigation expenses and costs and such other and further relief as the relief court deems proper.

She is represented by Daniel A. Edelman, Cathleen M. Combs, James O. Latturner, Francis M. Greene and Sarah M. Barnes of Edelman, Combs, Latturner & Goodwin LLC in Chicago and Scott Hendricks of Alleman Law Firm PC in Carbondale.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:17-cv-00011

BENTON — A former Southern Illinois University student alleges she was wrongfully expelled from law school.

Julie Bullock filed a complaint on Jan. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois Benton Division against the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University School of Law, Christopher Beham and Cynthia Fountaine, alleging they violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

According to the complaint, Bullock alleges the defendants wrongfully expelled her from law school, causing her to lose her Illinois Bar 711 license and her externship with the state's attorney's office.

As a result, Bullock alleges she suffered permanent damages, loss of professional reputation and severe emotional distress.

The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensatory damages in excess of $75,000, plus interest, attorneys' fees, costs and disbursement of this action and all other relief as justice may require.

She is represented by Bryan E. Drew of Drew & Drew PC in Benton and Jason J. Bach of The Bach Law Firm LLC in Las Vegas.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois Benton Division