National Maintenance and Repair sued by injured barge worker

A man says he continues to suffer neck injuries due to an incident that occurred while he was working on a barge.

Richard D. Farley filed a lawsuit Feb. 14 in Madison County Circuit Court against National Maintenance and Repair.

In his complaint, Farley alleges he was attempting to dry water on a tank barge that was waiting for inspection when he suddenly felt a severe pain in his back and tingling down his left leg.

Since then, Farley has experienced permanent back injuries that have caused him to lose wages and his earning capacity, to experience physical pain and mental suffering, to incur medical costs and to suffer disability, according to the complaint.

Farley blames his employer, National Maintenance and Repair, for causing his injuries, saying the company negligently failed to provide him with adequate training required to safely complete his
job, failed to inspect the work area for hazards and failed to provide Farley with suitable tools and equipment.

In his five-count complaint, Farley seeks an unspecified judgment, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Roy C. Dripps of Armbruster, Dripps, Winterscheidt and Blotevogel in Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-227.