Worker sues Clayco Construction for stair rail accident

Clayco Construction Co. is being sued by a subcontractor for injuries sustained last year at a Sauget, Ill., job site known as the 255 Logistics project.

Charles D. Cleveland claims a stair rail broke while he was climbing it to a roof job site Nov. 13, 2007, according to a complaint filed July 21 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Cleveland claims Clayco, the project's general contractor, is negligent for failing to adequately inspect the stair tower, refusing to allow subcontractors supply their own ladders and failing to inspect wells in hand rails of its stair tower.

After the rail broke, Cleveland "slipped and fell and had to hold himself from falling from the stair tower by his left arm," the complaint states.

The breakage occurred at approximately the third level of the structure, the suit says.

Cleveland, who is represented by Jerald J. Bonifield of Bonifield & Rosenstengel of Belleville, suffered injury to his left arm and shoulder. He is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages.