Truck driver says rig's 'metal fatigue' caused knee injury

A truck driver from Belleville is suing his employer after he allegedly tore ligaments in his knee trying to get into his work truck.

Bryan J. and Tina Francoeur filed a lawsuit March 1 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Swift Transportation Co. LLC, also known as Swift Transportation Inc., also known as Swift Transportation and Leasing Inc. Navistar Inc., also known as Navistar International Corporation is also named as a defendant.

Bryan Francoeur says he worked for Swift Transportation as a truck driver. The company allegedly provided him with a 2011 International Truck manufactured by Navistar Inc. to drive. In March 2011, Francoeur says he tried to climb into the cab of the truck using steps that were allegedly bent from "metal fatigue." Francoeur claims he slipped on the damaged steps and tore the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee.

The Francoeurs accuse Swift Transportation of negligence for allegedly providing a truck with unsafe steps leading into the cab. They accuse Navistar of manufacturing a defective product. The couple asks for more than $100,000 in damages for medical bills, lost income, loss of consortium and court costs.

Attorney Michael L. McGlynn of Belleville represents the Francoeurs.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-115