Following proper safety procedures is vital for people who work around semi-trucks. Failing to follow established safety protocol can lead to accidents that might cause serious injuries. A recent lawsuit in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, shows how important it is to make sure that everything is done safely when working in and around tractor-trailers.
The lawsuit stems from an accident that occurred at a Rite Aid warehouse. The lawsuit claims that the victim was thrown out the back of a trailer when the driver of the semi-truck accelerated before making sure the man was finished working in the trailer. The trailer jerked when the man accelerated, which made the trailer disconnect from a system that locks the trailer in the dock. The victim landed on his back when he was thrown from the trailer. The lawsuit says he received serious injuries.
The lawsuit was filed in Mason Circuit Court on April 3. It lists Matson Logistics Inc., Jg Hunt Express LTD, CMJ Inc., Rite Aid Corporation, the driver of the truck both individually and as an employee of Matson Logistics Inc., and 10 other employees as the defendants. The man is seeking damages for court costs, attorney fees, interest and an amount that is greater than the limit that falls within the jurisdiction of the court.
Unloading tractor-trailers can be a dangerous job, especially when those around you aren’t following proper safety procedures. This man has suffered serious injuries because of the actions of another person.
Anyone who has suffered workplace injuries might have the right to seek compensation just as this man did. Understanding how to make the claims might help you decide how to proceed.
Source: The West Virginia Record, “Mason Co. man says he was injured falling out of delivery truck” Ben Hart, Apr. 24, 2014
