Port worker sues over forklift flat

Timothy LeBlanc was injured while working on a forklift at the Port of Beaumont. He claims the machine's tire blew as a result of sloppy maintenance and is suing Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems.

Through attorney Jonathan Juhan, LeBlanc filed his personal injury lawsuit with the Jefferson County District Court on Aug. 8.

According to the plaintiff's original petition, on Aug. 18, 2005, LeBlanc, a P.C. Pfeiffer employee, was at the port working as a mechanic. He was working with a forklift and "encountered a problem with a tire."

Wingfoot was called in to repair the tire but "failed to correctly replace rings which work to hold the tire securely in place, resulting in injuries and damages (to LeBlanc)," the suit said.

The suit does not describe the incident or LeBlanc's injuries in detail, but does say the "negligence" and "carelessness" of the defendant caused LeBlanc to suffer severe and disfiguring injuries to his face and eye.

"Additionally, the plaintiff suffered a broken vertebrae in his lower back," the suit said.

LeBlanc is suing for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, physical impairment, disfigurement, pain and mental anguish.

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

Case No. B179-772