A worker who nearly had his hand severed is partly responsible for his injuries because he used a glass window for support, according to defendant Allco Construction in an amended answer to the man's lawsuit.
As previously reported, Ralph "Wes" Jordan filed suit against Allco LLC on July 22, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court. Commercial & Institutional Mechanical CIM was later added as defendant.
Court records show that Allco amended its answer on July 26, asserting Jordan was at least 51 percent negligent for causing his injures.
According to the lawsuit, on April 11, 2011, Jordan was at Allco's Port Arthur premises to perform an estimate and bid. A leaky air conditioner threatened to ruin construction at the premises and Jordan was asked to assist. As he attempted to stop the leak, a shard of glass fell on his arm, nearly severing his hand, the suit states.
However, the amended answer states that Jordan misused a glass window for a wall support and it was that action that was the proximate cause of the incident.
Allco is asking that the plaintiff take nothing and that the company recover its costs.
Jordon is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.
Beaumont attorney Gilbert T. Adams represents him.
Houston attorney Robin Taylor of Handlin & Associates represents Allco.
CIM is represented by Karen Bennett, attorney for the Beaumont law firm Germer Gertz.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. D190-564