Co-worker sued over business place accident

An Alton man is suing a coworker who allegedly crashed his truck into him.

Rick L. Olmstead filed the complaint June 14 in Madison County Circuit Court against John C. Burch, also known as Chris Burch. Select Temporaries Inc., doing business as Select Staff, is also named as a defendant.

According to the complaint, Olmstead was working for NuStar, formerly known as Valero, in June 2009. Olmstead says he was working with Burch, an employee of temporary employment agency Select Staff, conducting surveys along an ammonia pipeline in Montgomery County.

Olmstead says when the job was finished he began to load an ATV onto a trailer. He says Burch got into a truck that was parked right behind the trailer. As Olmstead drove the ATV onto the trailer, Burch allegedly drove his truck into him. Olmstead says he was hurt in the crash.

Olmstead accuses Burch and his employer, Select Staff, of negligence. Olmstead's wife is also suing Burch and Select Staff for loss of consortium. The couple is asking for more than $200,000 in damages for medical bills, lost wages and court fees.

Attorney Troy E. Walton of East St. Louis is representing the Olmsteads. They ask for a jury trial.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-564.