Couple sue Triton Construction for unsafe working environment

WINFIELD - A couple are suing Triton Construction Inc. for allegedly creating an unsafe working environment that caused severe and permanent injuries.

On Dec. 23, 2011, Benjamin McCracken was serious and permanently injured while working on a bridge project for Triton, according to a complaint filed June 11 in Putnam Circuit Court.

McCracken and his wife, Jennifer McCracken, claim Triton created an unsafe working environment.

The employment practices performed by the defendant were unsafe, hazardous and posed a risk of serious injury or death to employees, according to the suit.

The McCrackens claim Triton required employees to work in an unsafe environment without proper safety equipment and created an unsafe workplace by lifting, hoisting and moving steel girders, beams and other building components, without following the approved safety plan or industry standards, and without proper spreaders and connecting devices to stabilize and maintain the load.

As a result of the known, unsafe working condition, a crane operator failed to maintain control of his rigging and knocked Benjamin McCracken off of a structure and caused him severe injuries, including a broken back, fractured left knee and injuries to his head, hands, arms and other body parts, according to the suit.

The McCrackens are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by James R. Fox of Fox Law Office PLLC.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 13-C-192