Tyson employee reaches down, becomes injured, sues company

MARSHALL-A Tyson employee is suing the poultry producer for more than $495,000 over an on-the-job injury.

Letcia Choice filed suit against Tyson Foods on April 8, 2008, in the Shelby County District Court. Tyson removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division on June 3.

According to court records, Choice was working on a line and reached down to the floor to pick up a divider causing her to become injured. She claims she is suffering severe impairment and scarring.

Choice accuses Tyson Foods of negligence for failing to provide safe equipment for the job that she was required to perform and failing to provide a safer environment for employees.

In an amended complaint, Choice also accuses Tyson of failing to provide adequate training and failing to provide an adequate level of staff necessary to safely and properly complete the tasks that was required of Choice.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical care and expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, severe and permanent impairment and physical scarring, interest and court costs.

Tyson denies Choice's allegations and argues that Choice's injuries were caused by pre-existing conditions or her own negligence.

Sulphur Springs attorney Larry C. Friday of The Friday Law Firm is representing the case.

Jury trial requested.

U.S. District Judge David Folsom is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv00186