Farm hand claims grain drying machine caused severe injuries

A man has filed suit against his Jersey County employer, alleging he was injured while helping to operate a grain drying machine.

Brad Loellke claims he was working as a farm hand for defendant Wayne Moore on Oct. 15, 2008, while defendant Dennis Moore was operating a grain drying machine.

However, the grain drying machine would occasionally begin working with no notice, according to the complaint filed Oct. 21 in Madison County Circuit Court.

After Wayne and Dennis Moore finished using the machine, they failed to disconnect it from its power source, failed to advise Loellke that the machine could start without warning and failed to place notices on the machine, the suit states.

As Loellke was performing duties on the machine, it started, causing Loellke to be severely injured, the complaint says.

Because of the incident, Loellke claims he experienced great pain and anguish, incurred medical costs, lost the use of his left hand, lost his normal life and suffered a loss of income.

In the two-count suit, Loellke is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

David W. Dugan of East Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1121.