Injured painter claims employer failed to provide work comp

A union painter who fell off a ladder filed suit against his employers seeking damages in excess of $300,000 claiming they failed to provide workers' compensation insurance benefits.

James Kimbro, Jr., filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court Sept. 17 against Diversified Coatings, Vernon Reinneck, Pioneer Leasing, George Hillard Agency, George Hillard individually and the Hillard Agency. The suit claims they failed to provide benefits after he fell 15-20 feet off an extension ladder while sandblasting on Feb. 17, 2006.

Represented by Eddie Unsell of East Alton, Kimbro claims he became injured and suffered great pain and anguish, medical expenses, lost income and a loss of a normal life.

"That pursuant to 820 ILCS 305/4(d), proof of the Plaintiff's injury constitutes prima facie evidence of negligence on the part of the Defendant employer," the complaint states.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder.

07 L 826