Robert Goodall and Erika Williams have filed a lawsuit against three companies, alleging negligence and seeking damages for injuries sustained on a job site. The complaint was filed in the 19th Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on February 20, 2024, targeting Barber Brothers Contracting Company, L.L.C., Southern Paving Co., Inc., and Caterpillar, Inc.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on February 20, 2023, during a guardrail installation project in Assumption Parish, Louisiana. Robert Goodall was employed by Barber Brothers at the time and had been with the company for eight years. According to the complaint, Barber Brothers and Southern Paving were working together on this project under a contract with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The plaintiffs allege that Barber Brothers failed to provide necessary equipment for safe operation at the job site. Specifically, they claim that despite being informed that a wacker packer was needed due to tight conditions at the site, Barber Brothers did not supply one. Instead, Robert Goodall was directed by his supervisor, Mark Chesnick, to use a ride-on roller/compactor which subsequently tilted over causing him serious injuries.
The lawsuit accuses Barber Brothers and Southern Paving of multiple acts of negligence including failing to operate machinery safely, failing to provide proper equipment or training for its use, and failing to maintain quality control procedures. Additionally, it alleges that Caterpillar is liable under the Louisiana Products Liability Act due to defects in the design and manufacture of the roller/compactor used by Goodall. The plaintiffs argue that there existed an alternative design for the machine which would have prevented such an accident.
Goodall's injuries are said to have resulted in significant physical and mental pain and suffering as well as financial losses from medical expenses and lost wages. Erika Williams claims damages for loss of support and companionship due to Goodall's injuries. They are seeking judgment against all defendants jointly for damages commensurate with their losses along with legal interest from the date of demand.
Representing Robert Goodall and Erika Williams is attorney R.E. McKee from McKee Law LLC based in New Orleans. The case has been assigned Case ID C-744363 but does not list specific judges involved at this stage.