Ironworker falls through grate floor, sues over injuries

A subcontractor claims he sustained injuries to back, right shoulder and right arm after falling through a hole in the floor of his work place.

Gregory K. Masterson filed a lawsuit April 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Illinois Power Company, Illinova Corporation, Dynegy, Dynegy Midwest Corporation and Power Maintenance and Constructors.

Masterson claims he was working as an ironworker for Ben Hur Construction Company and was performing subcontract work for defendant Power Maintenance and Constructors on July 22, 2009, when the incident occurred.

"On July 22, 2009, in the course of Plaintiff's employment, plaintiff was walking on the grate floor and fell through a 26-30 inches in diameter hole in the floor," the suit states.

Because of the incident, in addition to his injuries, Masterson incurred medical costs, was hindered and prevented from attending to his usual affairs, lost large sums of money he would have otherwise earned, experienced great pain and suffering and lost his enjoyment for life, according to the complaint.

He blames the defendants for failing to provide him with a safe place to work, for failing to require that the hole be covered and for failing to provide a standard railing and toeboard on all sides of the floor hole.

In his four-count suit, Masterson is seeking a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs.

Dennis M. Field of Strellis and Field in Waterloo will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-194.