Truck driver sues JF Electric and other companies after cable strikes him in face

A truck driver has filed suit against the companies that he claims failed to provide him with proper equipment, allowing a cable to snap and strike him in the face.

Matthew Lightcap alleges he was working as a truck driver for Twin Lakes Trucking on Sept. 14, 2010, when J.F. Electric hired Twin Lake to transport a storage container. Lightcap was attempting to perform his job when a cable being used to transport the storage container broke and struck him in the face, according to the complaint filed May 15 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the incident, Lightcap experienced pain, suffering, disability and disfigurement; incurred medical costs; and lost his income, the suit states. He also lost his normal life, the complaint says.

In addition to J.F. Electric, Lightcap names ConocoPhillips -- Woodriver Refinery and ConocoPhillips WRB as defendants, saying the incident occurred at their premises.

He blames the defendants for causing his injuries, saying they negligently failed to provide him with a safe place to work, failed to provide him with a crane to transport the storage container, failed to supervise the work and failed to warn of unsafe working conditions.

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

He will be represented by Daniel K. Juncker of Belleville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-676.