Worker sues scaffolding company over collapse

After falling from scaffolding that unexpectedly collapsed, a Terrebonne Parish School employee has filed a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturers of the scaffolding, claiming they knew the product was dangerous but failed to warn consumers.

Toni Jo Thibodeaux filed suit against Badger Ladder Inc. on Nov. 9 in federal court in New Orleans.

At the time of the accident, Thibodeaux was employed by Terrebonne Parish School Board and assigned to change A/C filters at Lacache Middle School.

The scaffolding was manufactured and sold by Badger Ladder.

Thibodeaux states that the product was unreasonably dangerous in construction or composition, unreasonably dangerous in design, unreasonably dangerous because an adequate warning about the product had not been provided and was unreasonably dangerous because it did not conform to an express warranty.

The defendant is also accused of knowing about the dangerous nature of the product but failing to warn consumers of the danger.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical expenses, physical and mental pain, suffering and discomfort, disfigurement, loss of function, impairment and loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, interest, court costs and attorney's fees.

Thibodeaux is represented by Dexter A. Gary and Danny J. Lirette of Lirette & Gary in Houma.

U.S. District Judge Mary Vial Lemmon is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02779