Construction worker sues after being hit by falling bucket of mortar

A journeyman working on a public works project has filed a lawsuit against a construction company after he was injured when a five-gallon bucket of mortar fell and hit him in the head.

Claiming he is now completely disabled, Blake Walker filed suit against WT Construction July 12 in Orleans Parish District Court.

Walker states that on Nov. 5, 2009, he was walking under a scaffold that was not roped off, when an employee of the defendant dropped the bucket of mortar from the second level of the scaffold down to the ground.

Walkers claims he has been diagnosed with cervical disc herniations and had surgery for the issue in May.

The defendant is accused of failing to post warning signs, rope off the work area adjacent to a walkway, failure to communicate, and dropping heavy loads without ensuring the area was clear of workers.

Walker is seeking damages for mental and physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of wages, loss of wage earning capacity, medical expenses, disability, interest and court costs.

Walker is represented by John F. McKay of McKay Law Firm in Baton Rouge.

Judge Kern A. Reese is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2010-7170