RIPLEY – A laborer is suing an employer over injuries he allegedly received when a 200-pound metal pipe hit his knee.
Fred A. Workman filed the suit April 25 in Jackson Circuit Court against Team Environmental LLC.
Workman was unloading pipe on Sept. 12, 2014, with a co-worker when that worker allegedly dropped his end of the pipe, which hit the ground, bounced back up and struck Workman's left knee and leg, the suit says. Workman was transported by helicopter to Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he was found to have a complex fracture that required surgery, a bone graft and implantation of hardware, according to the suit.
Workman underwent physical therapy and subsequently developed an infection in his knee which required further hospitalization, according to the complaint.
As a result of the alleged injury and its treatment, Workman has accumulated medical expenses, suffered lost wages and loss of earning capacity, permanent injury and the inability to enjoy life, the suit claims.
He seeks a trial by jury in addition to an amount to adequately compensate him for his injuries, punitive damages, costs, attorney fees and interest. He is represented by Robert V. Berthold Jr. and Robert V. Berthold III of Berthold Law Firm PLLC in Charleston.
Jackson County Circuit Court Case number 16-C-31
