VanStrien v. City of Grand Rapids

On January 11, 1990, plaintiff Lorraine VanStrien stepped on a manhole while walking on a public sidewalk located in the City of Grand Rapids. As she put her foot on the cover of the manhole, the cover tipped back and slipped out from underneath her. Plaintiff’s right leg went inside the hole and she sustained serious injuries. This particular manhole had been abandoned by the City of Grand Rapids for over thirty years. Subsequently, plaintiffs initiated the present action, alleging, among other things, negligence on the part of defendant, the City of Grand Rapids.

Thereafter, defendant,…