NEW ORLEANS - A construction worker has filed a personal injury lawsuit against an equipment rental company that claims he suffered disabling injuries when the rented drill he was using suddenly jerked.
Arthur Lee Murph Jr. filed suit against RSC Equipment Rental Inc. on May 24 in federal court in New Orleans.
The incident occurred on May 15, 2011 as Murph was working as a carpenter for Brice Building Co. Inc. His employer rented a Hilti DD 200 Diamond Core Drill with anchor rig and vacuum pump from the defendant for its construction project in Mandeville. The tool was designed to create a vacuum seal with the drilling surface to stabilize the drill and to allow for drilling into the masonry.
According to the lawsuit, the vacuum pump failed causing the drill to jerk and pull Murph in a violent manner. Murph states that he suffered disabling injuries to his left shoulder which required surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to maintain their equipment, failing to warn, failing to properly repair, and for failing to provide the proper equipment.
The plaintiff is asking the court for an award of damages for disability, physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost earnings, diminished earning capacity, permanent disability and impairments, interest, and court costs.
Feldman is represented by Richard J. Richthofen Jr. of Richthofen & Associates in New Orleans. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Martin L. C. Feldman is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-01349