Carpenter sues construction companies and property owner for alleged workplace injuries

GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish man is suing two construction companies, a property owner and their insurers for injuries he claims to have received working on a construction site.

Melvin D. Cross, and wife Beth, filed suit against Canal Indemnity Company, Pizzati Construction, Inc., F.L. Crane and Sons, Inc. and the Zurich Services Corporation in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 7. Cross claims he was working as a carpenter for Pizzati and F.L. Crane at a property owned by Canal Indemnity Company when another employee at the site dropped a piece of plywood on him. The plaintiff alleges that he received severe and permanent personal injuries in the incident.

The defendant is accused of creating an unreasonable risk of harm, creating a dangerous condition, failing to exercise reasonable and ordinary care, failing to warn, failing to properly inspect the job site, failing to take diligent and reasonable protective measures, failing to comply with applicable safety standards in violation of federal law, failing to properly construct the roof and surrounding parts, failing to properly instruct and train employees and failing to correct dangerous conditions.

Damages in excess of $50,000 are sought for pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress, medical expenses, disability, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and loss of enjoyment of life.

Cross is represented by Metairie-based attorney Leonard J. Cline.

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

Case no. 720-873.