HUNTINGTON — A crane operator, claiming permanent injuries in a workplace accident, has filed a lawsuit against Huntington Alloys Corp., citing alleged deliberate intent and negligence.
William C. Grim, Jr. filed the complaint in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, Huntington Division. The plaintiff accuses Huntington Alloys Corp. of allegedly allowing an unsafe workplace that "presented a high degree of risk and a strong probability of serious injury or death," according to the lawsuit.
William C. Grim Jr. allegedly suffered serious injuries on July 26, 2016, when a large section of the roof fell on him while he was operating a crane.
Grim allegedly was operating a remote-control crane that dropped metals into vats of acid when the accident occurred. Grim allegedly suffered permanent injuries to his neck, back, shoulders and head.
Plaintiff claims that the accident occurred while he was in the scope and course of his employment, and wearing a hardhat and all required safety gear. He claims that he was not warned of the deteriorating roof.
The company had received multiple complaints previously from other employees about the unsafe condition and debris/objects falling from it, according to the complaint.
As a result, Grim claims he suffered permanent and disabling injuries, mental anguish, and medical expenses. The injuries required surgery and physical rehabilitation, according to the lawsuit.
The plaintiff holds Huntington Alloys Corp. responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to correct the unsafe working condition and failed to warn workers of the deteriorated roof to avoid injuries.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for compensatory damages, costs, attorney fees, pre and post-judgment interest, and any all other relief to which the Court deems entitled.
He is represented by J. Ryan Stewart and Timothy C. Bailey of Bailey Javins & Carter, LC in Charleston.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia Huntington Division Case number 3:18-cv-01079