Man sues BASF for crushed finger

Kevin Brown's left index finger was crushed when an "improperly" welded kick plate came loose. Now short one pointing finger, Brown is suing the BASF Chemical Corporation for negligence and premise liability.

Brown filed his personal injury lawsuit against BASF with the Jefferson County District Court on July 19.

According to the plaintiff's original petition, on March 31, 2007, Brown was working for Total Industrial Services at the BASF facility in Port Arthur, performing machining and pipe cutting work for the company.

"Brown was engaged in this work when a 'kick plate' that was improperly welded and secured came off and fell on him, crushing his left index finger," the suit said. "As a result of this occurrence, Brown suffered serious injuries to his finger and other parts of his body. His injuries to his finger necessitated amputation."

The suit goes on to say that Brown has also experienced pain, suffering and mental anguish as a result of his injuries.

Brown and his attorney Kurt Arnold of the Arnold & Itkin law firm, fault BASF for failing to maintain a safe working area, warn Brown of the dangerous condition of work area and failing to properly secure and maintain plant equipment.

Brown is suing for compensatory, actual and special damages, plus all court costs.

According to its Web site, BASF is one of the world's leading chemical companies, and employs more than 15,500 in North America and had sales of approximately $14.3 billion in 2006.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. B179-687