Disabled Jacksonville Man Sues City Over Sidewalk Injury

Jacksonville resident Joshua Jewell filed a civil claim in Morgan Circuit Court, seeking at least $50,000 after an incident on Dec. 6, 2024 in which his motorized scooter struck a sunken, uneven, broken and crumbled portion of the Church Street sidewalk and tipped, causing him injuries. Jewell, who uses a motorized scooter for mobility, alleges the city of Jacksonville had prior notice or direct knowledge of the hazardous condition before the incident.

The complaint, filed in January, describes a stretch of sidewalk that plaintiffs say was unsafe for pedestrians and especially hazardous for people using mobility devices. The suit asserts that the damaged concrete created a tripping and tipping hazard that led directly to Jewell’s fall and subsequent injuries. As of publication, the city had not yet filed a response in the case.

Beyond the immediate injury claim, the lawsuit underscores broader questions about the condition and upkeep of public sidewalks in Morgan County. City-maintained sidewalks are vital infrastructure for residents who rely on wheelchairs, motorized scooters and other mobility aids. When sections of pedestrian infrastructure deteriorate, the risk of injury rises for older adults and people with disabilities, and municipal officials must balance maintenance budgets against liability exposure.

Legal claims against municipalities often hinge on whether the city had notice or knowledge of the hazardous condition. The allegation that city officials knew or should have known about the damaged section of Church Street could shape the case if discovery establishes prior reports, inspection records or repair requests. The outcome may carry implications for how the city logs and responds to complaints about sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure.

For local residents, the case is a reminder to report damaged sidewalks and intersections to city public works offices, and to exercise caution when navigating older sidewalks in downtown and residential areas. If the suit proceeds to trial or settlement, it could prompt a re-evaluation of inspection schedules, repair priorities and pedestrian safety measures in Jacksonville.

The claim will move through Morgan Circuit Court procedures as the city decides how to respond and as both sides gather evidence. In the meantime, the filing highlights the human and fiscal stakes tied to basic sidewalk maintenance in a community where accessible pathways are essential for daily life.