EDWARDSVILLE — An employee of Siever Equipment Co. is suing a welding and metal-working company after he allegedly cut his arm and hand while using an angle grinder.
Gregory J. Kruckeberg of Bethalto filed a complaint on May 11 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Forney Industries Inc. doing business as X.O.P., and multiple unnamed persons with the company, alleging that the defendants failed in their duty to design, manufacture and distribute a safe product.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 22, 2015, while under the course of his employment, he was using an air angle grinder or cut off a wheel when it malfunctioned, cutting his left arm and hand and severing his ulnar nerve.
As a result, Kruckeberg claims his injuries required medical treatment including surgery.
The plaintiff alleges X.O.P. failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, developing and manufacturing the equipment, failed to test the product before introducing it to the market and failed to warn and instruct users of the high degree of risk attendant to using the equipment.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks monetary relief in excess of $75,000 for actual, special and compensatory damages, all costs incurred, attorneys' fees, expenses, pre- and post-judgment interest and such other relief as the court deems just and proper.
He is represented by Bob L. Perica of The Perica Law Firm PC in Wood River.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-622