Mary Eggett, Jim Goan and Eric Satterfield were also named as defendants in the suit.
Jeffrey N. Starkey was employed by Skana as a slitter helper and on July 14, 2016, he was working in Clarksburg assisting with the operation of a Cameron Aluminum Slitter machine when his hand was crushed between the aluminum coil and a rotating roller, causing serious injuries, amputations and burns, according to a complaint filed Jan. 27 in Harrison Circuit Court and removed to federal court on Feb. 28.
Jeffrey Starkey and Lela F. Starkey claim Jeffrey Starkey’s hand was violently pulled into the machine by unguarded rotating parts that were recoiling at 900 feet per minute.
The Cameron slitter lacked guarding to prevent access to the rotating parts and the defendants had actual knowledge of this, according to the suit.
The Starkeys claim the defendants violated West Virginia code and exposed Jeffrey Starkey to the unsafe working conditions.
The Starkeys are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Dino S. Colombo and Travis T. Mohler of Colombo Law.
The defendants are represented by C. David Morrison, Susan L. Deniker and Kaitlin L.H. Robidoux of Steptoe & Johnson.
The case is assigned to District Judge Irene Keeley.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia case number: 1:17-cv-00032