GALVESTON — A scrap metal yard customer alleges the forklift he was supplied to load his truck was defective and tipped over on top of him.
Rocky George filed a complaint April 19 in Galveston County District Court against Putnam Incorporated alleging negligence.
George, according to his complaint, was visiting the Putnam Incorporated scrap yard in Dickenson with his son on Feb. 25, 2023. He claims he purchased scrap metal and was told by the defendant's employees they were too busy to help him load and that he had to load it himself. He further claims the employees brought out an "old, run down" forklift for him to use and as he was operating the machine, it suddenly tipped over, struck him in the head and landed on his leg.
George alleges he suffered a crushed ankle, a head and arm injury and that the forklift was not suited to be driven on gravel. He claims that after the accident, the defendant demanded $5,000 from him as a result of the damage to their forklift. George further claims the defendant's negligence for failing to provide safe equipment or competent personnel and for failing to provide adequate training, warnings or instructions on the proper use of the forklift.
George seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Jason Webster, Heidi Vicknair and Ryan Macleod of The Webster Law Firm in Houston.
Galveston County District Court case number 23-CV-0621