HUNTINGTON – A man is using Cabell Huntington Hospital for injuries he sustained when biohazard material fell on him.
Ricky D. Hill was employed as a driver for Republic Services and Cabell was one of Republic's customers, according to a complaint filed Oct. 2 in Cabell Circuit Court.
Hill claims as part of his duties, he was scheduled to pick up cardboard, which had been discharged by CHH for disposal offsite.
Containers were placed on Cabell's premises and were designated for cardboard only, according to the suit.
Hill claims on Dec. 4, 2013, he was attempting to load the cardboard from its receptacles into his truck when the cardboard became stuck and would not readily dump into the truck, which necessitated Hill to attempt to manually dislodge the obstruction so that the cardboard would fall.
As he reached to dislodge the cardboard, black plastic bags designated "biohazard" fell out of the cardboard receptacle, exposing Hill to the discarded blood and urine bags and also chemotherapy disposal kits, according to the suit.
Hill claims the defendants wanton, willful and negligent conduct caused him injuries, including impairment of his breathing, sinusitis, an upper respiratory infection and emotional distress.
The defendant's actions caused Hill to suffer a loss of enjoyment of life, according to the suit.
Hill is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by Edwin H. Pancake of Maroney, Williams, Weaver & Pancake PLLC.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Paul T. Farrell.
Cabell Circuit Court case number: 15-C-681