Lawsuit over low-hanging chain still in discovery

January 16, 2011 – A lawsuit against owners of Marina City over an accident in 2009 is still in its pre-trial discovery phase, in which both parties obtain evidence from each other.

A status hearing was held on January 12 and both sides agree a trial will not happen anytime soon.

On May 17, 2009, at about 1 p.m., a security officer at Marina City tripped over a low-hanging chain near the entrance ramp from State Street. Tara Collins was trying to stop a bus from entering the complex. She filed a lawsuit on February 10, 2010, seeking $50,000 from Lasalle Hotel Properties, owner of Hotel Sax and commercial property at Marina City, Marina Towers Condominium Association, System Parking, and the commercial property manager, Transwestern.

(Above) Area where mishap occurred (2011 photo, click on image to view larger version).

An attorney for Collins, Ari Kirshner, said in May 2010 that his client “sustained severe injuries to her arm and underwent surgery as a result of the incident.”

Exhibits have been filed and, according to court records, depositions will be taken. The next status hearing is scheduled for March 11. The parties have until November of this year to complete discovery.