Notice of removal filed in suit blaming fall from tree stand on defective welding

A notice of removal has been filed in a Beaumont man’s suit against the tree stand manufacturer that he claims failed to properly weld part of a stand, causing him to fall to the ground. 

According to the complaint filed April 15 in Jefferson County District Court, Roy Leger claims he attempted to climb a one-man ladder stand manufactured by defendant Rivers Edge Treestand on March 15 when the stand malfunctioned, sending Leger tumbling to the ground.

Court records show the notice of removal was filed May 22, stating that the case is now pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

The suit says Leger had just finished assembling the stand with his son when his fall occurred. He blames his plummet on faulty welding on the ladder stand.

Because of his fall, Leger claims he sustained serious and disabling injuries, experienced physical pain and suffering and sustained mental anguish and physical impairment, the suit states. He also incurred medical costs, lost wages and lost his earning capacity, the complaint claims.

Leger blames Rivers Edge for causing his injuries, alleging it negligently failed to properly weld the ladder and failed to properly inspect the weld.

Leger is seeking an unspecified judgment, plus pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest legal rate, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Tommy L. Yeates of Moore Landrey in Beaumont represents him.

The case was originally assigned to Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.

Jefferson County Case No. E194-248