EDWARDSVILLE — A cook is suing the owner of a towing vessel for allegedly failing to provide proper tools and assistance.
Patricia R. Cooper filed a complaint on Dec. 28 in the Madison County Circuit Court against American River Transportation Company, alleging it failed to comply with the applicable industry safety standards.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on Jan. 6, 2014, she was employed as a cook at American River's inland towing vessel, the M/V New Dawn. Cooper claims she was not provided with a reasonably safe place to work, proper tools and equipment and competent assistance.
As a result, Cooper claims she sustained injuries to her back that resulted in lost wages, physical and mental pain and medical expenses.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant failed to provide sufficient training, competent assistance or co-workers to help Cooper perform her duties and failed and refused to provide maintenance and cure benefits.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks compensation in an amount that is fair and sufficient under the premises, plus costs of this suit and all other relief as justice may require.
She is represented by Roy C. Dripps, Charles W. Armbruster and Michael T. Blotevogel of Armbruster, Dripps, Winterscheidt & Blotevogel LLC in Maryville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 16-L-1765