Methodist Hospital worker files suit against construction company after being shocked

NEW ORLEANS –A construction worker has filed suit after injuries he allegedly received while on a work site.

Rene Fox filed suit against Durr Heavy Construction LLC in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Aug. 1.

The plaintiff alleges that in February, he was working in the engineering building of the Methodist Hospital on Read Boulevard and Lake Forest Boulevard. The plaintiff asserts he was responsible for pumping water out of a tunnel, the entrance of which was on the floor of the engineering building.

The defendant and its employees were overseeing construction work being performed in the tunnel and engineering building where they installed a large generator outside of the building and ran a green extension cord inside.

On the day of the alleged accident, the plaintiff claims he was pumping water out of the tunnel as instructed, when he reached down and picked up the electrical cord, and was promptly shocked. He states that initially he could not feel the electricity, but his feet were “stuck” to the floor, so he reached out and grabbed a metal ring around the entrance to the tunnel to prevent himself from falling. In doing so, he sustained severe burns and injuries to his hands.

He managed to leave the interior of the engineering building and lay on the ground outside, whereupon individuals came and assisted him, took off his work gloves, and found that his hands appeared “black and/or melted,” the claim states. He was brought to the emergency room and remained in the hospital for a significant amount of time recovering from severe burns to his hands and body, according to the claim.

The defendant is accused of failing to warn, leaving a “live” power cord in the middle of the engineering building, failing to clean up the work area, leaving the electrical cord in an environment known to contain water and moisture, and failing to provide the plaintiff adequate training with the generator, concerning the area where he was immediately working.

The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount in damages for past and future pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and loss of enjoyment of life.

The plaintiff is represented by Paul E. Harrison of Harrison & Richardson of Mandeville.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Kern A. Reese.

Case no. 13.7232