Ameren sued over unprotected guy wires

The widow of a man who died when his motorcycle came into contact with guy wires adjacent to the roadway filed a wrongful death complaint against Ameren IP and JMP Cycle and Hobby in Madison County Circuit Court Sept. 14.

Afton Sims alleges her husband Eddie Newby was driving a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 636 on Alby Street near the intersection of Mitchell Street in Godfrey on Sept. 16, 2006, when he came into contact with guy wires.

A guy wire is a tensioned cable designed to add stability to structures. One end of the cable is attached to the structure, and the other is anchored to the ground at a distance from the structure's base.

According to Sims, the guy wires did not have a protective covering.

She claims Ameren IP negligently failed to maintain its utility poles, guy wires and lines, as well as failed to provide proper and adequate protection devices to guard against uncovered guy wires and failed to secure and maintain the guy wires to prevent them from breaking.

Sims also alleges Ameren failed to warn of the existence of uncovered guy wires and failed to guard against the hazards created by uncovered guy wires.

According to Sims, Newby sustained serious bodily injuries including conscious pain and suffering and death.

She also claims she has lost and will lose earnings as a result of Newby's death and claims she incurred expenses for his funeral and burial.

Sims also is seeking damages from JMP Cycle and Hobby alleging they negligently repaired the motorcycle's braking system prior to Newby's accident.

Represented by Roy Dripps of the Lakin Law Firm in Wood River, Sims is seeking damages in excess $250,000, plus costs.

07 L 825