Worker sues after elevator cable breaks

NEW ORLEANS - Claiming he suffered numerous injuries when a loading dock elevator rapidly descended due to a broke cable, Wendell Johnson filed suit against Cargill Inc. and Cargill Dry Corn Ingredients Inc. on Sept. 20 in federal court in New Orleans.

The alleged incident occurred on July 11, 2012, while Johnson was in the scope of his employment with Vector Electric and performing services for the defendants. According to the lawsuit, Johnson was in a man-lift/elevator that was attached to the loading dock and was descending to the ground when the cables broke or malfunctioned. The elevator fell at a rapid rate and Johnson states he sustained injuries to his back, neck, hip and feet.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to inspect and maintain the elevator and its cables and for failing to warn Johnson of its unreasonably dangerous condition, which was not obvious or not known to him.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for disability, loss of wage earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of wage earning capacity, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, interest, and court costs.

Johnson is represented by Houma attorney Stephen J. Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:12-cv-02327