A Beaumont man claims his left arm was mutilated when a lifting device in his home malfunctioned.
James Dennis and Tricia Keene filed a lawsuit May 2 in Jefferson County District Court against Brint Construction and Clint Byrom.
In their complaint, the Keenes claim James Keene was using his EasyLift system at his beach house on Nov. 24 when it suddenly malfunctioned, causing his left arm to become trapped and mutilated.
The Keenes had decided to install an EasyLift system in their beach home at Byrom’s suggestion. Byrom thought a lift system would make it easier for the plaintiffs to lift and transport items to the upper floor of their home, according to the complaint.
However, the system malfunctioned when two lifting cables became completely detached from the car and the safety mechanism, the suit states. Not only did James Dennis Keene suffer from severe injuries to his arm, but the couple has also been unable to utilize the lift system since the accident, the complaint says.
“Plaintiffs have been unable to and continue to be unable to fully enjoy their beach house since the incident made the basis of this lawsuit as the equipment has not been replaced and their health conditions continue to worsen which make it difficult, if not impossible, to climb stairs,” the suit states.
In addition to his injuries, James Dennis Keene incurred substantial medical costs, suffered mental anguish and disfigurement and lost wages because of the incident, the complaint says.
The Keenes blame the defendants for causing James Keene’s injuries, saying the defendants sold an inappropriate lifting device to transport humans, installed the lift and failed to describe how to properly and safely operate the lift.
The Keenes allege misrepresentation, negligent undertaking and breach of warranty against the defendants.
They seek actual damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.
Brian D. Sutton of Sutton and Jacobs in Beaumont will be representing them.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. D194-305
Chair lift mutilated man's arm, court documents say
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