EDWARDSVILLE — A Roxana couple is suing several garbage truck dealers and operators after a side access door on a garbage truck slammed on a man's hand, amputating his thumb.
Philip M. Ashley and Janice K. Ashley filed a complaint on Aug. 29 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Heil Company, doing business as Heil Environmental, Autocar LLC, Los Angeles Truck Centers LLC and others, alleging they negligently designed, manufactured, sold and leased a defective garbage truck.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that on Oct. 2, 2015, Philip Ashley was cleaning the bed of a garbage truck when the side access door suddenly slammed on his right hand, amputating his right thumb.
He claims he has suffered disfigurement, physical and mental pain, lost wages and incurred medical and hospital expenses.
The plaintiffs alleges the defendants failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the hazards of cleaning and using the garbage truck.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against defendants in an amount of more than $50,000 for each plaintiff, plus costs of this suit.
They are represented by Edward J. Szewczyk of Callis, Papa & Szewczyk PC in Granite City.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1230