Wrongful death lawsuit filed after worker files from scaffolding

After watching his father fall more than 40 feet to his death, Tangipahoa Parish resident Jerremy Blanchard has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the scaffolding company for failing to properly construct the jobsite's scaffolding and for failing to provide his father safety lines.

Jeremy Blanchard and his brother, Joshua Blanchard, filed suit against Paramount Scaffold Gulf Region Inc. on Aug. 10 in St. James Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Aug. 29.

The accident occurred on Oct. 8, 2010, as David Blanchard was employed by DR Services and performing work at St. Michael's Church in Convent, La. According to the lawsuit, David Blanchard fell approximately 42 feet while attempting to climb the defective scaffold.

The defendant is accused of negligence for constructing the scaffolding in an unsafe manner, failing to properly inspect the scaffold or its parts for defects or hazards, failing to repair any defects or hazards of the scaffolding, failing to comply with industry safety standards in construction of scaffolding, failing to adequately warn users of the scaffolding's defect in construction and failing to provide safety lines to the workers.

Jeremy and Joshua Blanchard are seeking damages for the loss of aid, assistance, love and affection and services, plus interest and court costs. Jeremy Blanchard is also seeking damages for physical and mental pain, anguish and suffering, stating he was forced to watch his father's death.

The plaintiffs are represented by Baton Rouge attorney Rick A. Caballero.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02158