A Slidell man is suing a group of industrial supply companies, alleging negligence in regard to his workplace injury.
Daniel Simmons filed a lawsuit July 28 against Lehigh Cement Company, Hanson Aggregates and Hanson Pipe and Precast in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana, alleging exposure to toxins in the workplace in 2014.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 7, 2014, Simmons, employed by Advantage Staffing of Slidell, a temporary staffing agency, came into contact with hydraulic fluid due to equipment that was defective. The suit states that rather than replacing equipment, the defendants opted to patch the machinery but that hydraulic fluid leakage “never stopped” and Simmons absorbed it through his skin.
The lawsuit states all the defendant did was to offer antibacterial soap and topical ointment. Simmons informed his agency and was immediately removed from the work, the suit says, and the agency canceled its contract with the companies.
Simmons alleges exposure to hydraulic fluid can lead to numbness, swelling, rashes, and even amputation and death if untreated, and Simmons says he still experiences headaches, dizziness, muscle aches, blurred vision and skin irritation.
The plaintiff alleges lost earnings and earning capability, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.
Simmons seeks compensatory damages of nearly $1.4 million, pre- and post-judgment interest, expenses and court costs. He is self-represented.
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:15-cv-03045-KDE-DEK.