EDWARDSVILLE — An employee is suing a Granite City tree service business, alleging its negligence led to the plaintiff sustaining injuries.
Toby Thomas filed a complaint on July 25 in Madison County Circuit Court against Mike Hanfelder, doing business as Hanfelder's Tree Service, alleging negligence in failing to provide safe equipment.
According to the complaint, on May 22, 2015, while Thomas was working for Hanfelder in one of the defendant's bucket trucks, he fell from the bucket. The suit says he sustained disabling and disfiguring injuries, great pain and mental anguish, lost wages and incurred hospital and medical expenses.
The plaintiff alleges Hanfelder's failed to provide a well-maintained bucket truck and safety harness and failed to obtain worker's compensation insurance.
Thomas seeks a trial by jury and judgment of more than $50,000. He is represented by attorney Gregory L. Shevlin of Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Brauer and Shelvin Ltd. in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1048