Couple sues Putnam school board for injuries

WINFIELD – A Putnam County couple is suing the Putnam Board of Education for injuries sustained at the Putnam Career and Technical Center.

American Industrial Direct, LLC, d/b/a Auto Body Toolmart; and Champ Frame Straightening Equipment, Inc. were also named as defendants in the suit.

Vickie Itson was a student at Putnam Career and Technical Center in the Collision Repair Program and on March 12, 2010, was in class when she became caught on a bolt sticking out from the base of the adjustable paint/work ladder and tripped and fell to the ground, according to a complaint filed March 7 in Putnam Circuit Court.

Itson claims due to tripping and falling, she sustained severe and life-changing injuries, including a greater tuberosity fracture of the humerus and a brachial plexus injury.

A shop camera captured Itson's entire fall and her instructor, as well as several others, watched the video, according to the suit, but, despite requests, the video has not been produced.

Itson claims after watching the video, her instructor cut off the excess of the bolt that was sticking out from the portable steps that caused her to trip.

The defendants negligently supervised and failed to provide adequate training, including correct safety standards to assemble the adjustable paint/work ladder, which was manufactured and distributed by American Industrial Direct and Champ Frame, according to the suit.

Itson and her husband, Frazier Itson, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Sandra B. Harrah and C. Michael Bee.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge O.C. Spaulding.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 12-C-73