Faulty wiring led to a truck fire that caused a Fairfield company to incur more than $100,000 in damages, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
Hyex filed a lawsuit July 28 in Madison County Circuit Court against Navistar and Super Products.
Hyex claims it owned an International brand semi-tractor manufactured by Navistar that caught on fire April 17, 2009. Inside the semi-tractor lay an hydro-excavating unit manufactured by Super Products.
According to the complaint, the fire occurred following arcing in the engine wiring. Arcing happens when an unexpected electrical discharge flows through wiring and ignites combustible materials near it.
Hyex blames Navistar for causing the fire, saying it failed to use ordinary care when it designed and manufactured the semi-tractor.
It also says Super Products negligently routed battery cables on the hydro-excavating unit and failed to properly assemble the unit, causing the fire.
In its 16-count complaint, Hyex seeks a judgment of more than $800,000, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney's fees and other relief the court deems just.
Robert W. Cockerham and Joshua S. Davis of Brown and James in St. Louis will be representing it.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-787.
Faulty wiring blamed in truck fire
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