Hedgesville man sues Akers Construction, individual for work-related injury

MARTINSBURG -- A Hedgesville man is suing Akers Construction and an individual after he was injured at work.

On June 18, 2008, Akers Construction was performing work as a subcontractor for Robert Owens on a housing site on Lullaby Lane in Falling Waters, according to a complaint filed June 11 in Berkeley Circuit Court.

Shawn Smith claims he was performing work when a floor joist gave way and caused him to fall and sustain injuries.

Smith claims the defendants had a duty to furnish him with a reasonably safe place to work and failed to comply with state and federal safety laws, as well as industry standards.

As a result of the defendants' negligence, Smith suffered a traumatic leg injury and has incurred medical expenses in excess of $80,000 and lost wages in excess of $5,000, according to the suit.

Smith is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. He is being represented by Ronald M. Harman and Lawrence M. Schultz.

Berkeley Circuit Court case number: 10-C-474