Man sues over fall from broken ladder

WINFIELD – A Kanawha County is suing a former employer over injuries sustained from a ladder fall.

Travis Holstein filed a lawsuit against Tasty Blend Foods in Putnam Circuit Court on Feb. 19.

Holstein says, on July 16, 2007, he was working as a laborer in the company's production plant in Fraziers Bottom.

He claims that on that day he was cleaning out bins that were used to store food products that the company produced. The work required him to use a ladder.

The ladder Holstein said he used allegedly had a broken brace support and had been sent to the maintenance department to get fixed.

But before that happened, Holstein said the plant manager took the ladder from maintenance and put it back into use in the plant shop.

Holstein claims he climbed the ladder and it broke and he fell to the floor. According to his complaint, Holstein says he suffered severe and permanent injuries, including fractures to his right radius and elbow and a contusion to his right wrist.

He's seeking compensatory damages plus legal interest and fees.
Robert B. Warner is representing Holstein. The case has been assigned to Putnam Circuit Judge Phillip Stowers.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 09-C-61