LAFAYETTE — An Evangeline Parish couple is suing three companies, alleging their negligence caused the husband to suffer injuries when a tent collapsed.
Alden Bellow and Arlene Bellow filed a lawsuit May 4 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Lafayette Division against Chenier Energy Inc. Chenier LNG O&M Services LLC and United Rentals Inc., alleging negligence in failing to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents.
According to the complaint, on Aug. 16, 2015, the Bellows were invited by Chenier to attend a family outing at Chenier's Sabine plant. Shortly after the bus dropped people off the plant, the suit says, severe weather conditions developed and wind gusts hit a large tent, causing it to collapse around Alden Bellow and causing him severe and disabling injuries.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to monitor the weather and cancel the family outing day, failed to properly train employees to ensure the safety of guests, failed to ensure the use of an outdoor tent and failed to secure the tent so that it could withstand storm conditions.
The complaint states Alden Bellow suffered injuries to his sternum, spine, leg and ankle, plus injuries to his tongue, a broken tooth and loss of consciousness.
The Bellows seeks a trial by jury, judgment of $3 million, plus legal interest, legal costs and all general and equitable relief. They are represented by attorneys James P. Ryan and Patrick C. Morrow of Morrow, Morrow, Ryan & Bassett in Opelousas.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Lafayette Division Case number 6:16-cv-00614