Church rebuilding project results in injury, lawsuit

Willie and Donna Cowart have filed a personal injury lawsuit against the Nederland Apostolic Church and its pastor, J.C. Corkran. Willie Cowart fell off a scaffold while rebuilding the church's front porch.

According to the plaintiffs' petition, which was filed with the Jefferson County District Court on May 2, Willie was requested by the defendants to rebuild the porch. On May 5, 2006, he climbed up on the church's scaffold and began working when suddenly the scaffold rolled, "causing the plaintiff to fall."

The plaintiffs fault the defendants with negligence for failing to provide safe equipment and failing to provide a safe work place, the suit said. "As a direct and proximate result of defendants' negligence, Willie has suffered serious, disabling and disfiguring injures."
The suit says he hurt his left arm and right foot.

The plaintiffs are suing for loss of earning capacity for the remainder of Willie's life, medicals expenses and the loss of "sexual relations," the suit said.

"Plaintiffs would show that the defendants have been in possession of monies to which the plaintiffs are justly entitled to as compensation for the damages and injuries sustained in the incident," the suit said.

The couple is represented by the Beaumont law firm Sutton & Jacobs.

Case assignment is pending.

Case No. B179-229