Construction worker sues after falling five stories

NEW ORLEANS – A construction worker has filed suit after a fifth floor handrail gave way, causing him to fall five stories.

Alvin Johnston Jr. filed suit against TKTMJ Inc. and St. Martin Manor Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Aug. 9.

The suit states that on Aug. 15, 2012, the plaintiff was severely injured while working as a plumber’s helper for his employer, Construction Staffing LLC on an extensive project at St. Martin Manor nursing home on North Johnson Street in New Orleans.

As the plaintiff looked over a handrail on the fifth floor, the hand rail suddenly gave way, causing the plaintiff to fall five stories to the ground, resulting in his severe, permanent and debilitating bodily injuries.

TKTMJ, Inc, the general contractor in charge of the construction site, is accused of failing to maintain construction site in safe condition, failing to inspect, failing to warn, failing to set up in accordance with industry safety standards, and being otherwise negligent.

St. Martin Manor, Inc. is accused of failing to maintain premises in reasonable safe condition.

The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount in damages for injuries to his cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, the need for painful and invasive surgery, residual disability, pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses and loss of past and future earnings.

The plaintiff is represented by Henri M. Saunders of Saunders & Chabert of Baton Rouge.

The case has been assigned to Division J Judge Paula A. Brown.

Case no. 2013-07511.