An iron worker who fell approximately 25 feet from a roof deck at the Belleville Wal-Mart Supercenter under construction has filed suit against the project's manager Brinkmann Constructors and subcontractor Bel-O Sales and Services.
Jay C. Jeffers claims he was unaware of an opening in the roof deck which had been cut to accommodate HVAC equipment when he, while walking backward carrying with a co-worker a 20-foot piece of angle iron, fell in the opening.
According to the lawsuit filed Oct. 1 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Jeffers struck metal bracing on his descent prior to hitting the ground. The incident happened June 21.
Jeffers, who is employed by Rednour Steel Erectors, claims the defendants failed to adequately cover the opening of the roof deck after cutting the opening and failed to warn him of the opening with barricades, warning tape or other means.
"...The plaintiff has suffered permanent disability and disfigurement and has sustained a loss of enjoyment of his life," the complaint states.
Represented by Thomas E. Schooley of the Law Offices of William W. Schooley in Granite City, Jeffers is seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages.
