HOUSTON — Two employees are suing two Houston homeowners and roofing contractors, alleging their negligence led to injuries for the plaintiffs.
Jose Carmen Morales and Joaquin Morales filed a lawsuit Dec. 2 in Harris County District Court against Gary Motes, Sylvia Motes, Juan Gabriel Arroyo-Mendez, doing business as Arroyo Roofing, and Robert Louis Orsak. doing business as Prime Roofing, alleging failure to provide a safe place to work.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 19, Jose Carmen Morales and Joaquin Morales were using a ladder to access the roof of the Motes' home at 7703 Brush Wood Drive, Houston. As they raised the ladder, the suit says, they brushed a tree that was touching power lines, causing them to be electrocuted.
The suit says both plaintiffs suffered severe injuries that required amputation of feet and fingers. The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to scout the job site more thoroughly to find the electrical hazard, failed to provide a non-conductive ladder and failed to maintain and ensure that the tree won't touch the power lines.
The plaintiffs seek trial by jury, monetary relief of more than $1 million collectively, with interest, litigation costs and all other proper relief. They are represented by attorneys M. Paul Skrabanek and Michael Pierce of Pierce Skrabanek Bruera PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court Case number 2016-83179