BELLEVILLE – The estate of a man is seeking damages after he was electrocuted while working on a construction project.
The estate of Jetzari Gonzalez-Vargas, by and through his special administrator, filed a complaint on Aug. 7 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Lowe's Home Centers LLC, Chad Hollis Construction, AS Professional Roofing Contractors LLC and Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, Gonzalez-Vargas was an employee of AS Professional. He was hired by Chad Hollis Construction, which was hired by Lowe's, to remove and replace a roof on a garage in Carmi. The suit states that on Aug. 7, 2015, Gonzalez-Vargas was operating a Laddervator when an unprotected power line arched and electrocuted him, causing his death.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to a provide a safe, suitable and proper hoisting device that was insulated and protected from risk of conducting electricity and failed to make reasonable inspection of the premises and the working being done.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment of more than $50,000, plus court costs and any other relief deemed just and proper.
They are represented by Paul T. Slocomb of Blunt Slocomb LTD in St. Louis.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 17-L-423