The owner of a painting and wallpapering business calls a contractor's lawsuit alleging injuries after falling from a ladder frivolous and says the allegations are without merit.
David Weubells, who runs Trademasters Painting and Wallpapering of Belleville with his wife, Jo Elizabeth, said the plaintiff waited months before filing the suit.
Ronald Patt filed suit in St. Clair County Circuit Court on June 25, claiming David and Jo Elizabeth Weubells were negligent. He also alleges the defendants "failed to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees."
According to the complaint, Patt alleges he was employed to carry out glazing work on the windows at 102 Country Club Place in Belleville on or prior to December 2018. Patt was allegedly on a ladder working on the building when he claims he fell and injured himself.
Patt claims the defendants were negligent by providing a defective ladder, failing to inspect the ladder, providing a ladder that was unable to carry the loads required to conduct the glazing work, and failing to provide a safe place to work.
Patt alleges he endured pain and suffering from his physical injuries, has incurred medical expense and will be required to pay medical bills in the future. he also claims he lost income and the defendants failed to provide workers' compensation insurance.
However, in an interview with the Record, David Weubells rejected the allegations. He claims that he believes Patt has filed other similar suits, but did not specify where. St. Clair County records do not reveal any other negligence or injury suits filed in that venue.
"I was stupid enough to hire him," Weubells said of the glazing work carried out at Country Club Place.
Weubells added that it could cost him $15,000 just to fight what he describes as a frivolous lawsuit.
Patt seeks a judgment in his favor in excess of $50,000, plus costs. He is represented by attorney Kevin Boyne of Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 19-L-466