FORT LEE - A New Milford man has filed suit against the owners of an apartment building, claiming he suffered serious injuries after tripping over a Christmas tree left for trash collectors.

Kyu Taik Chung, 73, claims in court papers he was injured March 12, 2015 on the sidewalk at 501 Linwood Avenue, where a co-op is located. The business owners are listed as 1170 Apartment Corporation, according to the suit filed Jan. 20 in Bergen County Superior Court.

The suit accuses the landlord and/or maintenance personnel of "recklessly, carelessly and/or negligently" allowing an unsafe hazard to remain on the premises - the discarded Christmas tree.

"The plaintiff suffered severe and permanent injuries; was disabled and disfigured; has suffered and will continue to suffer great pain and torment, both mental and physical," Chung's attorney, Albert H. Wunsch III, claims in the suit.

Chung claims his medical bills have been mounting and that he has been unable to work or proceed with daily activities.

He is asking for a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.

A voicemail left on the co-op's business phone was not immediately returned.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.