Drexel University and contractor face lawsuit over injured laborer

A laborer doing work at a Drexel University construction site is suing the school and the contracting firm overseeing the worksite for injuries he sustained after falling off a ladder.

Attorney Thomas F. Sacchetta, of the Media, Pa.-based law firm Sacchetta & Baldino, filed the premises liability lawsuit against Drexel University and Turner Construction Company June 3 at the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

According to the civil complaint, the plaintiff, Alfred Schneider, of Franklinville, N.J., an employee of Healy, Long & Jevin, was climbing a “job ladder” in early June 2009, when he suddenly fell off the device and sustained multiple contusions and bruises, as well as severe back injuries.

The lawsuit accuses Turner Construction, which managed the worksite, of failing to provide a safe work environment, failing to properly supervise the project for hazardous conditions, and failing to establish proper and adequate procedures relating to construction materials and construction work.

The complaint also accuses Drexel University of negligence for failing to provide plaintiff a safe place to work, failing to properly supervise the project for hazardous conditions and failing to properly inspect the project.

Schneider seeks a judgment against the defendants jointly and severally in an amount in excess of the jurisdictional arbitration limit, which is $50,000, together with interest and related court costs.

The plaintiff has demanded a jury trial. The case currently awaits listing.

The case number is 110504088.