EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County couple is suing Phillips 66, alleging an unsafe work environment led to the husband suffering injuries.
Joe Hemmer and Nicole Hemmer filed a lawsuit Aug. 25 in Madison County Circuit Court against Phillips 66 Company, also known as Conoco Phillips, alleging negligence in not protecting workers in its Wood River refinery.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 26, 2014, Joe Hemmer was working at defendant's facility as an iron worker under the employment of Federal Steel & Erection Company when he collapsed near the defendant's exhchanger, suffering severe brain damage due to excessive heat.
The suit says Hemmer's injuries affected his memory, balance and cognitive thinking, causing headaches, anxiety and depression. The plaintiffs allege Phillips 66 failed to inspect for the dangerous conditions in its working area, negligently allowed the dangerous condition to exist and negligently allowed toxic chemicals to be present in plaintiff's working area.
The Hemmers seek trial by jury, judgment of more than $50,000, plus court costs. They are represented by attorney Stephen M. Kernan of Cook, Ysura, Bartholomew, Brauer & Shevlin Ltd. in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1206