Nicole Johnson-Barnett filed the suit April 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Bi-State Development Agency, doing business as Metro.
On Dec. 10, 2015, when the plaintiff was a passenger on a bus owned by the defendant, the bus was involved in an accident, the suit says. The plaintiff was injured both because of the collision and when an unsecured wheelchair rolled into her, according to the complaint.
The plaintiff alleges the following negligent actions on the part of the defendant: failing to keep a proper lookout, operating the bus in such a manner as to cause it to stop suddenly and allow a wheelchair to roll into the her, driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failing to properly secure the wheelchair.
As a result, the injuries to the plaintiff were to her left leg and left ankle, she has suffered disability and the loss of a normal life, she has spent money on necessary medical care, and she has lost wages and future earning capacity, the suit says.
The plaintiff seeks judgment against the defendant in excess of $50,000 plus court costs. She is represented by Thomas C. Rich, Kristina D. Cooksey and Michelle M. Rich of Thomas C. Rich PC in Fairview Heights.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-193