EDWARDSVILLE -- A man claims he suffered a knee injury when he was denied the use of metal steps to board a barge while working for Mid-America Fuels on the Mississippi River.
Carl Hinners filed a lawsuit on Dec. 6 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Mid-America Fuels, Inc., alleging negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Hinners was employed by Mid-America Fuels as a harbor tug pilot of the M/V Darrell Thompson on the Mississippi River. The vessel was used to transfer fuel contained in a petroleum tank to customers. Hinners claims the defendant was aware of a previous knee condition. Hinners was piloting the tug on Dec. 14, 2018, when he allegedly requested a set of metal steps to be able to transfer from board to barge. He claims he was not given the steps and attempted to transfer to the barge without them when he felt his knee pop. He claims he suffered two torn minisci, requiring a knee replacement.
As a result of his injuries, Hinners alleges he aggravated his pre-existing knee conditions, endured pain and suffering and incurred medical expenses for diagnosis, treatment, surgical services, hospital services, therapy and prescription medication. He also claims he lost wages, lost earning capacity, and suffered disability and disfigurement.
Hinners alleges the defendant did not provide him with a safe working environment, did not provide the tools and equipment to perform his job safely and did not provide adequate training for him to perform his job safely.
Hinners seeks a judgment in an unspecified amount that is fair and reasonable, plus prejudgment interest, attorney fees and costs of the suit. He is represented by Roy C. Dripps of Armbruster Dripps Winterscheidt & Blotevogel LLC in Maryville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-001461