Wrongful death suit filed against maker of chain hoist

The failure of a chain hoist caused a man’s death and led his family to sue the manufacturer of the chain, according to a new lawsuit.

Timothy Sagez filed suit May 22 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Columbus McKinnon Corporation.

In his lawsuit, Timothy Sagez alleges his son, Jason Sagez, was attempting to remove a propeller from a ship named the Jennie K at National Maintenance and Repair’s floating dock in Hartford. To do so, Jason Sagez was forced to utilize a chain hoist manufactured by Columbus McKinnon, according to the complaint.

In the midst of Jason Sagez’s work on Nov. 15, 2012, the chain hoist malfunctioned, allowing the propeller to hit Jason Sagez, resulting in his death, the suit states.

Due to their son’s death, Renee and Timothy Sagez lost his society, services and support, the complaint says.

They blame the incident on Columbus McKinnon Corporation, saying it negligently manufactured the link, carelessly designed the chain hoist and failed to warn of the chain’s defective condition.

They claim that Jason sustained severe fractures and injuries to his abdomen prior and pain and suffering prior to his death. They claim they incurred medical costs as well as funeral, burial and related costs.

The suit seeks damages under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act and the Illinois Survival Act.

The family is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs. He is being represented by James R. Williams of the Law Offices of Williams, Caponi and Foley in Belleville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-751.