ST. MARYS – A Tennessee woman is suing FirstEnergy Generation LLC after she claims she was injured during the course of her job duties.
On March 2, Luz Gongora was working for Performance Contract Inc. at Pleasants Power Plant performing cleaning services, according to a complaint filed Aug. 11 in Pleasants Circuit Court.
Gongora claims while performing her duties on a ladder working when suddenly and without wanring, two tons of coal ash fell on top of her.
Two other PCI workers were with Gongora at the time of the incident, but they were able to get out of the way of the falling coal ash and, as a result of the coal ash falling on her, Gongora was knocked off the ladder and fell to the floor, according to the suit.
Gongora claims she sustained injuries to her head and shoulder and now has substantial problems breathing.
The plaintiff swallowed a large quantity of coal ash during the incident, which caused her substantial mental anguish as she is a kidney transplant recipient and was fearful that the coal ash may cause her significant medical complications, according to the suit.
Gongora claims she received nine staples for her head injury and was prescribed Oxycodone for her pain.
The plaintiff’s shoulder injury was initially treated conservatively with medications and physical therapy, but eventually had to have an MRI performed, which showed a tear in her rotator cuff and she underwent rotator cuff surgery, according to the suit.
Gongora claims the defendant was negligent in failing to make sure the area where the coal ash was dumped was clear of workers.
Gongora is seeking compensatory damages. She is being represented by Joshua R. Martin of Neely & Callaghan.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Timothy Sweeney.
Pleasants Circuit Court case number: 16-C-26
