WEST UNION – A Virginia-based insurer is suing a firm for alleged negligent damage to a crane owned by a client.
Alterra America Insurance Co. filed a lawsuit May 16 in Doddridge Circuit Court against T.K. Stanley Inc., alleging negligence and negligent misrepresentation.
According to the complaint, on the evening of Feb. 16, 2015, Allegheny Crane Rental attempted to move a crane near an oil well on a tract of land in Doddridge County where they had been contracted to perform mining operations. After a bulldozer owned by T.K. Stanley helped haul the crane over the first two hills, the suit says the operator assured the crane technician he could make it the rest of the way without further help.
However, the suit says the crane lost traction in the icy conditions while trying to travel up the access road, falling downhill onto a slope where it was damaged beyond repair. The suit says Alterra paid Allegheny a $1.3 million damage claim under its insurance policy.
Alterra seeks recovery of the full amount of the claim, plus interest and litigation costs. It is represented by attorney T. David Higgins Jr. of Cozen O’Connor P.C.Charlotte, N.C.
Doddridge Circuit Court Case number 16-C-32