HOUSTON — The estate of a worker who was crushed to death when a crane's attached bucket fell 100 feet to the ground is claiming negligence.
Raquel Spahn, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of John Thomas Spahn, Debra Spahn, Joseph Robert Spahn and Raquel Spahn as next of friend for Palona Spahn filed a complaint May 12 in Harris County District Court against Mesa Line Services, Craneworks Rentals LLC and The Manitowoc Company Inc., alleging negligence and product liability.
John Thomas Spahn was working for Mesa Line Services as a journeyman lineman on March 21, 2021, and was using a crane with an "attached man-bucket" while working on an electrical distribution pole in Mt. Belvieu, according to the plaintiffs' complaint. They allege that the man basket suddenly became disconnected from the jib and came "crashing down to the ground" and fatally crushing Spahn.
They allege the negligence of the defendants for failing to warn of the danger of the equipment's safety attachments, failing to provide proper safety equipment and to properly train Mesa employees on the use of the attached bucket.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $1 million, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Matthew Matheny, Edward Fisher and Taylor Thompson of The Provost Umphrey Law Firm LLP in Beaumont.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-28528