GRP worker claims injuries in trip over steel cable

A man has filed suit against the people and companies he deems responsible for allowing him to allegedly be knocked unconscious after tripping on an uncoiled steel cable.

Troy L. Daggs claims he was working for GRP on Aug. 21, 2009, at defendant Fisher Tank Company. GRP had been subcontracted by Fisher Tank Company to install piping in large stainless steel tanks built by Fisher Tank Company, according to the complaint filed July 1 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

In order to install the piping, Daggs was forced to climb into the large steel tanks, a process that required him to climb down a manhole in the tank, then descend into the tank to work, the suit states.

As he attempted to enter the tank on Aug. 21, 2009, Daggs claims he tripped upon an uncoiled steel cable that had been left inside the tank by defendant Bechtel Construction Company and Fisher Tank employees. The trip caused Daggs to "strike his head upon a pipe and be knocked unconscious, whereby causing Plaintiff severe and permanent injuries to various parts of his body, especially his neck," the complaint says.

Due to the incident, Daggs suffered great physical pain and mental anguish and lost his normal life, the suit states. In addition, he lost earnings and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint.

Daggs blames Fisher Tank Company, Bechtel and Fisher Tank safety supervisor Carl Hendricks for negligently allowing their employees to leave uncoiled steel cable inside the tank, for failing to remove the steel cable, for failing to warn him that materials had been left inside the tank and for failing to properly inspect the tank to confirm materials had been picked up.

In his five-count complaint, Daggs is seeking a judgment of more than $250,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

He will be represented by Matthew J. Marlen of Belleville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-344.