API Construction sued over worker's injuries at Prairie State Energy

A man has filed a negligence claim against an East St. Louis construction company and two of its employees, claiming they caused him to rupture discs in his back.

Craig and Yvonne Spencer filed a lawsuit on June 12 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against API Construction Co., Josh Williamson and Kevin Diercks.

Craig Spencer says the injury happened in October 2010 while he was working at Prairie State Energy Campus in Marissa. API Construction had been hired as a contractor to provide insulation and lagging services at the facility, according to the complaint. Spencer says Williamson and Diercks, who were employed by API, "descended a ladder and landed on plaintiff's head."

Spencer contends API Construction, Williamson and Diercks were negligent and careless. He says, as a result, he sustained two ruptured discs in his back. Spencer says he has undergone surgery and continues to "suffer pain, mental anguish, disability and disfigurement." Spencer's wife, Yvonne, accuses the defendants of loss of consortium.

The Spencers are asking to be awarded more than $300,000 for medical expenses, lost income and court costs.

Attorney Thomas Q. Keefe Jr. represents the couple.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-293.