Steel supply customer suing after forklift allegedly backed into truck

GRETNA – A Kenner-based steel supplier is being sued by one of its customers who was allegedly injured when a forklift backed into his vehicle.

Oscar Mendez filed suit against the Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company and Melco Steel, Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 5. Mendez claims he was a customer at Melco Stell in Kenner when he was told by employees of the company to back his truck up to a loading dock and that while he was doing so a forklift operated by one of the company's employees backed into his vehicle at a high rate of speed. The plaintiff alleges that he was seriously injured in the collision

The defendant is accused of improper backing, careless operation of a vehicle, failing to maintain proper control of vehicle, traveling at an excessive rate of speed, failing to see what should have been seen, inattentiveness, failing to maintain a proper lookout, failing to exercise his last chance to avoid the accident, negligent entrustment of vehicle, failing to adequately provide support to driver-employee, negligent hiring and retention and failing to implement proper safety policies.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, mental anguish, pain and suffering, wage loss, property damage, transportation expenses, loss of use, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of earning capacity.

Mendez is represented by Robert P. Charbonnet of the Metairie-based Charbonnet Law Firm, LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division P Judge Lee V. Faulkner.

Case no. 720-823.