Shopper sues property management company over fall at Woodridge shopping center

A Cook County woman is suing three firms alleging premises liability in a 2013 incident.

Pamela Kost, of Tinley Park, brought a complaint May 5 in Cook County Circuit Court against Woodgrove Festival 563 LLC; Kimco Realty Corp., of Chicago; and KRCX Illinois Realty LLC, of Delaware, asserting liability for a June 2013 injury.

The defendants collectively owned, operated and managed a property in Woodridge known as the Woodgrove Festival Shopping Center, comprised of retail stores and a parking lot. The plaintiff was parked in the lot in order to purchase a gift certificate on or about June 3, 2013.

According to the filing, while exiting her vehicle Kost stepped onto a raised concrete island approximately 3 inches higher than the pavement, with a half-inch wide gap from the curb to the concrete surface. The plaintiff tripped, fell and landed on her right side, incurring injuries.

The lawsuit cites both defendants for negligence in improperly installing a defective and dangerous walkway of a height differing from the surrounding curb; improper parking lot maintenance; failure to warn of the hazard; and careless creation of an unreasonably dangerous condition without protection when invitees are likely to be distracted.

Kost claims pain, suffering and disfigurement, and loss of a normal life, medical bills and lost wages. The plaintiff seeks damages of more than $50,000, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.

She is represented in the case by David Kupets, of the Law Offices of Kupets and DeCaro in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No.: 15-L-4634.