BELLEVILLE - A laborer has filed suit against a general contractor and the owners of a former paint factory over a fall while working on asbestos removal.
Richard John Dietz Jr., of Worden, filed sut June 3 against Ahrens Contracting, Excalibur Realty, Albemarle Corporation over the June 29, 2019, accident at the manufacturing plant located at Lynch Avenue in East St. Louis.
Dietz, a union man who was employed by a sub-contractor, Crossroads Construction, claims he was walking over a roofing panel when it cracked and/or shattered causing him to fall through onto a concrete floor.
The plaintiff states he suffered "severe and permanent injuries," including to his face, head, neck, shoulders, low back, and right arm. He claims to be permanently disfigured, and lost wages and "enjoyment of his usual and regular life."
The defendants are accused of "negligently and carelessly" failing "to ensure proper safety measures were taken to prevent falls of this nature."
They should have known "that the roofing materials upon which Plaintiff was working was (sic) defective or damaged," and that they "negligently and carelessly failed to furnish Plaintiff a safe place to work," according to the suit.
All the defendants are accused of negligence and premises liability.
The plaintiff, who is seeking more than $50,000, is represented by Ronald J. Abernathy of Halvachs & Abernathy of Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 2020-L-0440.