Quantcast

MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Louisville Ladder, RP Lumber named in personal injury suit

A Montgomery County man and his wife seek more than $200,000 after they say the man fell off the ladder and fractured both ankles.

William and Celene Harrelson filed a lawsuit April 15 in Madison County Circuit Court against Louisville Ladder and R.P. Lumber.

William Harrelson claims he had worked at the U.S. Minerals plant in Coffeen and used an extension ladder manufactured by Louisville Ladder when the incident occurred.

"While William Harrelson was using the ladder, the side rails of the fly (upper) section failed, causing Harrelson to fall approximately 15 feet or more, fracturing both ankles," the suit states.

In addition to his fractured ankles, William Harrelson developed arthritis in his ankles and incurred medical costs because of the fall, the complaint says. He also claims he lost wages and experienced emotional pain, suffering, anxiety, mental distress and disability.

Because of William Harrelson's fall, Celene Harrelson lost her husband's consortium, the complaint says.

The Harrelsons blame Louisville Ladder for causing William Harrelson's fall, saying it negligently improperly constructed the ladder, manufactured the ladder from materials that did not meet design specifications and improperly designed the ladder. In addition, the company failed to provide adequate warnings on the ladder, according to the
complaint.

They also name R.P. Lumber as a defendant. R.P. Lumber sold the ladder even though it had a damaged side rail and missing bolts and screws, the suit states.

In their eight-count complaint, the Harrelsons seek a judgment of more than $400,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Eric W. Evans and Dawn Kamaduski O'Leary of Roth Evans in Granite City will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-367.

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

More News