PITTSBURGH — A worker is alleging negligence after a valve allegedly blew off an air compressor and caused him to suffer a fractured back.
Joseph Richards and Miranda Richards filed a complaint June 6 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against HTE Technologies Inc., alleging negligence.
According to the Richards' complaint, Joseph Richards was working for Black Mountain Enterprises LLC on March 30,2021, in Greensburg. They claim that Richards was testing a portable air compressor owned by HTE and leased by Black Mountain when the check valve suddenly blew off and struck him, causing him to suffer a vertebral fracture.
The plaintiffs allege HTE's negligence for permitting an improper valve to be affixed to the air compressor and for furnishing an air compressor with a dangerous condition. They also allege HTE failed to implement safety procedures for testing the air compressor including inspection of the machine by a qualified professional. The plaintiffs further claim HTE negligently failed to install a valve with an appropriate pressure rating and that the machine should not have been placed into service when the defendants knew it was defective.
The Richards seek monetary relief of more than $50,000, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Laura Balzarini of Balzarini & Watson in Pittsburgh.
Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County case number GD-22-6705