Man sues Mastec North America for vehicle accident

HUNTINGTON - A former employee is suing Mastect North America Inc. for injuries allegedly sustained from a vehicle accident.

On Oct. 6, 2011, Jeremy Chad Smith was to operate the defendant's 2011 International Durastar truck in the scope of his employment, according to a complaint filed Aug. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia at Huntington.

Smith claims the defendant was in need of drivers and ordered him to train Jeffrey Morrison, another Mastec employee, but he refused because he believed Morrison to be under the influence of intoxicating substances.

After refusing to train Morrison, Mastec informed Smith that his employment would be terminated, so he allowed Morrison to operate the truck and he rode as a passenger, according to the suit.

Smith claims Morrison drove the truck off the side of the roadway, causing it to wreck and Smith to receive damages.

Mastec violated West Virginia code for allowing unsafe working conditions which existed and presented a high degree of risk and strong probability of serious injury or death, according to the suit.

Smith claims the defendant intentionally exposed him to unsafe working conditions.

As a result of the defendant's actions, Smith incurred hospital and medical bills and expenses; incurred lost wages; suffered a loss of enjoyment of life; and sustained pain of the body and mind, according to the suit.

Smith is seeking compensatory and punitive damages with pre-judgment interest. He is being represented by Bert Ketchum of Greene Ketchum.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia at Huntington case number: 3:13-cv-21681