Construction worker allegedly crushed by concrete pipe after wire rope snapped

A construction worker has filed a lawsuit against The John Sakach Company of St. Louis claiming that one of the company’s wire ropes snapped during use and caused him to be crushed by a concrete pipe.

Plaintiffs Zachary T. Cowger and Leslie R. Cowger filed the lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against The John Sakach Company of St. Louis.

According to the lawsuit, Zachary Cowger is a construction worker employed by Baxmeyer Construction. On March 2, 2022, Cowger was performing his work duties, standing in a trench near another crew member who was using a wire rope supplied by the defendant to lift a concrete pipe into the trench. While transporting the pipe, the wire rope snapped suddenly and without warning, causing the heavy concrete pipe to crush Cowger.

According to the plaintiffs, the defendant negligently supplied a defective wire rope to Baxmeyer for use by employees.

Cowger alleges he has sustained severe and permanent bodily injuries, which have caused him to experience pain, suffering, and mental anguish. He claims his injuries will impact his ability to earn income and lead a normal life. The lawsuit states that Cowger has incurred significant medical expenses and will continue to require the services of medical staff to recover.

Leslie Cowger alleges that as a result of her husband’s injuries, she has been deprived of his support and consortium and has incurred medical expenses for his injuries.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus interest, court costs and any other relief the court deems proper.

This article was first published in Madison Record.

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