Clothing was not fire proof, man claims in suit against US Steel and Cintas

A Madison County man says he was severely burned after flames engulfed his supposedly fire proof clothing.

Anthony Redmond filed a lawsuit Nov. 2 in Madison County Circuit Court against United States Steel and Cintas.

Redmond claims he was working for Fosbel Global Services at the United States Steel premises on Dec. 13, 2008, when the incident occurred.

For his work at the premises, Cintas and United States Steel provided Redmond clothing that was supposed to be fire proof, fire retardant and heat resistant, according to the complaint.

However, the clothing somehow caught on fire while Redmond was working, causing him to become severely burned, the suit states.

Because of the incident, Redmond suffered great pain and anguish, lost income, lost his ability to earn money and suffered a loss of a normal life, the complaint says. In addition, he claims he incurred medical costs.

He blames United States Steel and Cintas for requiring him to wear the clothing, which was not adequately flame proof, and for failing to ensure the clothing was fire retardant.

In the two-count suit, Redmond 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-1163.