An iron worker backpedaling while carrying heavy equipment, fell 25 feet through a hole in the roof of a Wal-Mart Supercenter under construction in southern Illinois, according to the Madison County Record.
Jay Jeffers has filed a $100,000 personal-injury lawsuit against the project manager, Brinkmann Constructors as well as subcontractor Bell-O Sales and Services. The accident happened June 21 in the town of Belleville, Il.
Roof Was Cut Open for HVAC Equipment
The roof opening had been cut to accommodate HVAC equipment but Jeffers said there was no warning to workers. Jeffers was helping carry a 20-long section of angle iron with another worker when he inadvertently stepped through the roof deck opening. While he fell, Jeffers struck metal roof bracing before landing on the ground, according to the lawsuit.
Jeffers, who was employed by Rednour Steel Erectors, claimed the opening was not adequately covered by barricades or warning tape.
The suit stated, "The plaintiff has suffered permanent disability and disfigurement and has sustained a loss of enjoyment of his life." He is seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages.