A mail carrier allegedly injured while climbing shaky steps is suing the home owner whom the carrier says let those steps become unsafe.
Gloria Gubbins filed a lawsuit July 16 in Cook County Circuit Court against David Miller, alleging negligence and premises liability.
According to the complaint, on July 25, 2013, Miller was in charge of the maintenance of the front stairway of his home at 111 W. Wauponsie St., in Dwight. The suit says on this date the stairway, when mail carrier Gubbins tried to use it, was "missing wood, had broken wood, had cracks, was warped, was rotten and had uneven portions and bowed." It also lacked a stable handrail, the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit alleges Miller did not exercise reasonable care, did not maintain it in an unsafe condition, allowed the steps to exist in that condition for many weeks, failed to provide a safe way to and from the mailbox, repair the stairs, warn people the stairs were dangerous, and provide a safe and working handrail.
The plaintiff alleges injuries, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity and wages, and medical expenses.
Gubbins seeks damages of more than $50,000, plus costs. She is represented by attorney Michael Silverman of Horwitz, Horwitz and Associates in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L007267.