EDWARDSVILLE — A crew member is suing a Mississippi River ship operator, alleging negligence led to the plaintiff suffering injuries.
Justin Tonsor filed a lawsuit June 30 in Madison County Circuit Court against American River Transportation Company, alleging breach of warranty and negligence in failing to comply with government regulations and industry standards.
According to the complaint, on July 11, 2013, Tonsor severely injured his back when he attempted to lift a 35-foot wire cable while working on the defendant's vessel M/V Miss Sheila near Granite City on the Mississippi River. The suit says the incident caused him to sustain physical and mental suffering, lost wages and benefits, disability and medical expenses.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to provide a safe place to work, failed to provide Tonsor with safe tools and equipment, and failed to exercise its legal duty to use ordinary care.
Tonsor seeks a trial by jury, damages of more than $50,000, legal costs and such other relief as justice requires. He is represented by attorneys Roy C Dripps, Charles W. Armbruster and Michael Blotevogel of Armbruster, Dripps, Winterscheidt & Blotevogel LLC in Maryville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-889