Lawsuit: 'Inadequate' lighting caused worker to slip on trailer

GALVESTON - Following an incident which reportedly left him injured and dangling from his work trailer, Brazoria County resident Carl Tichacek is pursuing legal action.

Tichacek sued his employers, Jones Motor Group Inc. and Hot Shot Express Inc., in Brazoria County District Court on Nov. 4, 2013.

The case was removed to the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas on Jan. 10.

Prior to the subject event on June 7, 2012, the defendants dispatched Tichacek to pick up a load.

Just as the plaintiff arrived at the dispatched destination, he "realized that he did not have the proper trailer and equipment to effectively and safely load steel coils."

He then reported the situation to his employers and was told to "continue with the job and do the best he could loading the trailer with the steel coils."

Court documents further explain that Tichacek decided to perform the task in the morning as "it was too dark," stating he went to step on the trailer and slipped.

"The plaintiff broke his leg and ankle in 16 places and was left dangling from the trailer for approximately 45 minutes before someone heard his anguishing cries for help and was rescued," the suit says.

It asserts "inadequate" lighting caused the aforementioned incident.

Consequently, Tichacek seeks unspecified monetary damages.

He is represented by attorney Paul A. Higdon of Higdon Lawyers in Houston.

Case No. 3:14-CV-0011