GRETNA – Jefferson Parish is being sued by a construction foreman who was allegedly seriously injured after a manhole hatch slammed on his head causing him to fall 30 feet down a manhole.
Shane Salathe filed suit against The Parish of Jefferson, through the Department of Sewerage, in the 24th Judicial District Court on May 1.
Salathe alleges he was working as a foreman for Fleming Construction Company on a contract with Jefferson Parish to repair lift stations. The plaintiff contends that while he was working at one of the lift stations located near Veterans Boulevard and Harvard Street in Metairie a metal manhole hatch cover struck him on the lead and he fell from a ladder down the manhole. Salathe asserts that a safety latch attached to the manhole cover failed resulting in the incident.
The defendant is accused of failing to maintain hatch doors and latches, failing to exercise reasonable care in the inspection and safety and failing to repair or replace worn or corroded latches.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, life care planing expenses, mental pain an suffering, physical pain and suffering, loss of wages, loss of insurability, functional impairment and physical disability.
Salathe is represented by attorney Richard C. Truant of Metairie.
The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.
Case no. 749-298.
Construction foreman sues Jefferson Parish after falling down manhole
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