Electric company employee who claims he was buried up to neck in cave-in sues

GRETNA – An electric company worker who claims he was nearly killed in an on the job accident when a trench collapsed and he was nearly buried is suing.

Clyde Price, and wife Mary, filed suit against Chain Electric Company, Entergy Corporation and its affiliate in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 2.

Price asserts that on Nov. 28, 2012 he was working as an employee of Chain Electric Company and assisting in an excavation to add line capacity and piping for Entergy when a cave-in occurred during excavation. The plaintiff alleges that in the cave-in he was buried up to his neck and a fellow employee had to dig him out in order to keep his head above the debris and to keep the weight of the dirt from crushing him. Price claims that Chain Electric officials were warned of the possibility of a cave-in, but declined to use a safety box, thus exposing him to injury.

The defendant is accused of failing to ensure a proper workplace existed and failing to ensure that all OSHA standards were followed.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for severe and permanent damage to his right leg, severe and permanent damage to his shoulders, physical and emotional pain and suffering, special damages, medical expenses, lost employment and lost wages.

Price is represented by attorney Victor J. Woods Jr. of Addis.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.

Case no. 733-430.