Joliet Sued Over Broken Sidewalk After Woman's Fall

Rhonda Northrup seeks over $50,000 in damages from the city after tripping on a crumbling public sidewalk.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and uneven concrete sidewalk section, capturing the gritty, investigative aesthetic of the Weegee photographic style.A recent lawsuit alleges the city of Joliet failed to properly maintain a dangerous public sidewalk, leading to a resident's injury.Joliet Today

Rhonda Northrup, a Joliet resident, has filed a lawsuit against the city of Joliet seeking over $50,000 in damages after she tripped and fell on a broken, dilapidated sidewalk near 1704 Taylor Street while walking her dog last June. The lawsuit alleges the city failed to properly maintain the sidewalk, which contained a raised, hazardous portion that caused Northrup to fall and suffer injuries.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing issue of crumbling public infrastructure in Joliet, which has resulted in a number of similar civil lawsuits being filed against the city in recent years. The case raises questions about the city's responsibility to ensure the safety of its sidewalks and streets for pedestrians.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the sidewalk near 1704 Taylor Street was in a "broken, dilapidated condition that presented a tripping hazard" when Northrup was walking her dog on June 19, 2025. The lawsuit alleges the city "knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known that the broken sidewalk where the public would walk upon presented a tripping hazard" but failed to inspect or repair it in a timely manner.

  • Northrup was walking her dog on the Taylor Street sidewalk on June 19, 2025.
  • The lawsuit was filed against the city of Joliet this week.

The players

Rhonda Northrup

A Joliet resident who is suing the city after tripping and falling on a broken sidewalk while walking her dog.

City of Joliet

The defendant in the lawsuit, accused of failing to properly maintain and repair a dangerous public sidewalk.

Adriane LaShure

Northrup's lawyer from the Peru law firm of Schweickert Ganassin Krzak and Rundio.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Plaintiff, Rhonda Northrup was caused to fall after she encountered the broken, dilipidated sidewalk.”

— Adriane LaShure, Northrup's Lawyer

What’s next

The judge will determine if the city of Joliet is liable for Northrup's injuries and the amount of damages, if any, that should be awarded.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenge Joliet faces in maintaining its public infrastructure, with crumbling sidewalks and streets leading to an increase in personal injury claims against the city. It raises questions about municipal responsibility for pedestrian safety and the need for greater investment in repairing Joliet's aging public spaces.