Fayette man sues former employer for work injuries

CHARLESTON -- A Fayette County man is suing High Country Construction after he claims he sustained injuries while on the job.

Seven Gables Construction and O.C. Cluss Professional Services were also named as defendants in the suit.

On June 14, Jeff Gill was performing work on a project that included securing felt waterproof paper to the exposed roof of an apartment building, according to a complaint filed Nov. 1 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Gill claims the felt waterproof paper was needed on the exposed roof due to the start of heavy rainfall.

Under the defendants' full approval and supervision, Gill was performing the installation of the felt waterproof paper in the heavy rainfall without the use of a restraint, harness or other safety device to protect him from falling and sustaining injuries, according to the suit.

Gill claims while installing the felt waterproof paper, he slipped and fell approximately 25 feet to the asphalt walkway below, then rolled over an approximately 12-foot embankment.

As a result of falling, Gill suffered severe and permanent injuries to both of his feet, which required surgery, according to the suit.

Gill claims the defendants owed a duty of reasonable care and a duty to provide him with a reasonably safe place to work, and failed to do so.

Gill is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Robert B. Warner and William B. Hicks.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib Jr.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-1960