Alcan worker sues over on-the-job injury

CHARLESTON - A Jackson County man has filed a suit against a Ravenswood company after he was injured while working at the plant.

Gary Dean filed the suit Aug. 14 in Kanawha Circuit Court, against Alcan Rolled Products. Alcan supervisor Dale Ruben is also named as a defendant.

According to the suit, Dean was working at Alcan on Aug. 15, 2006. During the workday, he was working in the pit area at the #7 furnace, where he claims he slipped and fell on an oil leak while going down the steps to the pit.

The leak was from an hydraulic lift at the facility.

Dean claims he suffered severe and debilitating injuries to his knee, back and wrist.

According to the suit, there had been previous complaints about oil leaking from the lifts. OSHA cited Alcan with regard to the spill, as it constituted a dangerous work environment, the suit says.

Gary and Nicole Dean seek compensatory and punitive damages to cover their injuries.

Attorney William M. Tiano is representing Dean. The case has been assigned to Judge James Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 08-C-1570