The owner of a commercial lawn care business in Cahokia claims the gas line on his Scag Turf Tiger lawn mower came unattached while in use causing him, the mower and its surroundings to catch on fire.
In a recent personal injury, lawsuit Bradley Veteto, who operates Brad's Lawn Care, claims he was severely burned and sustained injuries to his face, ears, neck, back and arms while cutting the lawn of property located in Cahokia on June 19.
According to the suit filed Nov. 26 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Veteto purchased his lawn mower from defendants Erb Turf and/or Erb Equipment in 2004, where the mower was also regularly serviced.
"That the defendants failed to inspect said lawn mower before distribution to confirm that it was safe for operation," the complaint states.
Veteto and co-plaintiff Jack Veteto have also named the lawn mower's manufacturer, Metalcraft of Mayville, Inc. and/or Scag Power Equipment, Inc. as defendants.
"The defendant(s) manufactured, sold, distributed, or otherwise placed into the stream of commerce defective and the unreasonably dangerous commercial mower at issue," the complaint states.
Represented by Shane M. Moskop of Freeark, Harvey, Mendillo, Dennis, Wuller, Cain & Murphy in Belleville, Bradley Veteto seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent injuries including scarring, and lost wages.
"Prior to said injuries, plaintiff Bradley Veteto was an able bodied man capable of performing work and labor," the complaint states. "As a direct result of his injuries, he has and in the future will suffer loss of wages, earnings, salaries and profits and has and in the future will suffer a severe and impaired and diminished capacity for work, labor and pleasure."
The plaintiffs also seek $12,000 to replace their commercial lawn mower.
Lawn care professional sues maker of commercial mower for burns
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