Crane operator Brent McKinnon has filed a lawsuit against his supervisor, Phillips 66 Crane Supervisor Andy J. Elam, alleging that Elam failed to maintain proper equipment standards. "Aforesaid negligence of defendant Elam directly and proximately caused Plaintiff to suffer severe and permanently disabling and disfiguring injuries," the lawsuit alleges.
On December 6, McKinnon was operating a crane that collapsed at P66's Wood River Refinery.
The legal filing says Elam was responsible for supervising the Refinery's Reactor Project, approving its lift plan, and inspecting all utilized equipment. Elam also had the authority to halt work on the Reactor Project at any time and had a duty to exercise reasonable care in carrying out his duties.
McKinnon's lawsuit alleges that Elam failed to properly supervise the Reactor Project, ensure the quality of all equipment and exercise his authority to halt work when he knew or should've known that work was being performed in a dangerous manner.
Due to the crane's collapse, McKinnon suffered severe and permanently disabling injuries, including injuries to his right foot, right ankle, right knee, right leg, lower back, left arm, and head, the lawsuit alleges. McKinnon also suffered great pain and mental anguish and stands to lose large sums of money due to his inability to pursue his usual occupation and due to necessary medical treatment, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit, filed by attorneys Craig Anthony Schlapprizzi of St. Louis, MO, and Gregory L. Shevlin of Belleville, seeks a sum greater than $50,000, court costs, and "such further and other relief this court deems just and proper."