Overhead misstep sends light fixture crashing onto man's head

GALVESTON - After being struck in the head by a heavy light fixture, Tak Yi Lam is suing Jimmy Doyle Sheridan Jr.

According to a lawsuit filed Nov. 10 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 1, Sheridan, doing business as Galveston Island & Roofing & Construction Co., stepped in a way which caused a light fixture to loosen and fall on Lam.

The complainant hired the roofing company on Oct. 14, 2010, to perform an inspection at the Chinese Island Restaurant in Galveston when the incident occurred.

"During the course of the inspection the defendant negligently stepped off of the supporting beam structures in the ceiling support system and caused a heavy light fixture to come crashing down on top of the plaintiff," the original petition says.

The suit adds Lam suffered extensive injuries and required medical treatment.

"The plaintiff currently suffers from permanent facial scars and has continued pain and suffering as well as emotional distress," the suit says.

Sheridan is faulted for failing to maintain work environment in a safe and prudent manner, failing to maintain a proper lookout, failing to maintain control of his person and tools and failing to avoid the subject accident.

Consequently, Lam seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

He is represented by attorney Shaun W. Hodge of Galveston.

The case has been assigned to Galveston County Court at Law No. 1 Judge John Grady.

Cause No. 66,337