BEAUMONT - Conn Appliances recently filed a motion to confirm an arbitration award of $60,000 stemming from a lawsuit brought by an employee who injured his hand while on the job.
Seeking up to $1 million in damages, Richard Puente filed suit against Conn Appliances on June 2, 2016, in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, Puente has been employed by Conn Appliances for a number of years. On Dec. 2, 2015, he was instructed to repair a washer machine at a residence.
Conn Appliances allegedly failed to provide the necessary tools and as a result Puente injured his right thumb and hand.
Conn Appliances has no workers compensation benefits and instead has its own “substandard” plan, the suit states.
Because Conn Appliances refused to authorize surgery, Puente suffered permanent damage to his hand.
Conn Appliances filed its motion to confirm final award on May 9, stating Puente agreed to a mandatory arbitration when he was hired.
The arbitrator granted Puente $35,000 for lost earnings and $25,000 in damages.
The lawsuit was brought through Jon Burmeister of Moore Landry.
Conn Appliances is represented in part by Beaumont attorney Thad Heartfield.
Judge Kent Walston, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. A-198556