Ameren sued for electrical worker's burns

An electrical worker is suing Ameren for burns he received while working on a power line in Edwardsville in October 2005.

Ronald L. Breeden, an employee of JF Electric Co., claims he was injured when his arm came in contact with a portion of equipment attached to a power pole "causing him to receive a substantial exposure to electric current."

According to the complaint filed Feb. 27 in Madison County Circuit Court, Ameren is negligent for failing to attach the equipment to the pole so that proper spacing was maintained.

The suit states that the pole is located near Edwardsville Middle School.

Breeden, represented by Marc W. Parker of the Lakin Law Firm, also claims Ameren is negligent for failing to warn him and others that the equipment attached to the pole was not spaced properly and failing to reset the pole to ensure proper spacing.

Claiming medical, surgical, hospital, nursing, therapy and related expenses in the past and reasonably likely in the future, Breeden is seeking in excess of $200,000 in damages.

Breeden suffered burns and electrical injuries to his torso, right hand, left shoulder and right ear, the suit states.