PHILADELPHIA – The Samuel Adams Brewery Company is being sued by a pipe fitter over a claim that he suffered a career-ending injury at one of their breweries due to the company’s negligence in not keeping their floors clean.
Mark and Sheri Volner filed a lawsuit April 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the Boston Beer Company and Samuel Adams Brewery Company alleging negligence.
Mark Volner began working as a pipe fitter in the beer company's Breinigsville area brewery in August 2015 and was tasked to help install a new yeast distribution system, the suit says.
According to the claim, on Sept. 28, 2015, Volner was asked to remove a pump that had already been positioned and installed. As he attempted to pull the pump out, he lost his footing due to the sugar coating on the floor. He dropped the pump, reached out to prevent himself from falling and, as he did that, felt his back twist out of place, the suit alleges.
He then felt, according to the claim, intense and excruciating pain in his right, mid-lower back area, which progressively grew worse. According to the suit, as a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the brewery, Volner is disabled and will be unable to perform in his chosen occupation.
The Volners are seeking a judgment in excess of $150,000 for damages, together with costs of suit, interest and attorneys’ fees.
The Volners are being represented by attorney Aaron J. Freiwald and Glenn A. Ellis of Freiwalk Law, P.C.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Court Case number 2:16-cv-01960-JLS