Elevator employee injured by falling debris in shaft, suit claims

An employee of Kone Elevator claims he was hurt by falling ceiling materials in an elevator shaft at a job site in Edwardsville, according to a personal injury lawsuit.

John M. Oldham is suing project manager Tindall Construction Co. and subcontractors Hoelscher Interiors and Ceiling Tile Services over an incident that took place at Columbus Elementary School in Edwardsville on Aug. 10, 2006.

In a suit filed July 29 in Madison County Circuit Court, Oldham claims defendants Ceiling Tile and Hoelscher failed to put up construction nets over the elevator shaft where he was working and violated OSHA standards.

"Tindall Construction owed Plaintiff a duty to prevent unsafe work practices that might pose harm to Plaintiff because it was foreseeable that subcontractors might spill or drop building materials on other workers," the complaint states.

Oldham sustained lacerations to his right and left hands, wrists and forearms as well as his neck and back, he claims.

He also claims approximately $10,000 in medical bills and $2,500 in lost wages. His suit claims he may incur more medical expenses and lost wages in the future.

Oldham seeks in excess of $50,000 in damages. He is represented by William K. Meehan and Kelly B. Chevalier of University City, Mo.

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