A roofer who fell 40 feet from atop a building under construction in Belleville is suing Wagner Buick Pontiac GMC and Holland Construction Services for severe injuries.
Orlando Gomez claims he was performing specialized roofing services at Wagner's building under construction at 3800 West State Route 15 on Nov. 26, 2006, when he fell through an opening in the roof, according to a complaint filed Jan. 29 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Gomez suffered a head injury, fracture of the right orbital wall, blurred vision and injuries to his neck, back, spine, chest and lungs, the complaint states. He also claims arm, leg and hip injuries.
He claims the defendants failed to provide a safe place to work, failed to cover the hole, failed to barricade the hole and failed to provide safety devices to enable him to remain safely on the roof.
Gomez, who was employed by Kehrer Brothers Roofing Co. in Albers, lived in Clinton County at the time of the incident. He now resides in Kent, Mich.
Holland Construction was the general contractor for the building project, the complaint states.
Gomez claims he has incurred in excess of $100,000 in medical expenses and expects to incur further sums, the exact amount which cannot be ascertained. He also claims lost wages in excess of $50,000 and actual damages in excess of $50,000.
His wife Rosalina Gomez claims loss of consortium.
The Gomezes are represented by Phillip A. Cervantes and Leonard P. Cervantes of Cervantes & Associates in St. Louis.
Roofer sues Wagner and Holland for 40-foot fall through roof
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