HAMMOND | A Merrillville man has reached a legal settlement with the construction company he claims is responsible for burns he suffered after hot tar landed on his head and upper body, federal court records state.
Chris Jones and his wife, Tona, sued Venture Construction Co. and one of its employees in 2011, arguing in Hammond federal court that the defendants failed to reasonably monitor employees’ activities, failed to warn him about the potentially dangerous items being used and failed to protect him.
Jones was repairing columns on a portion of the Indiana Toll Road in Gary for a different construction company when the accident occurred, court documents state.
Jones contends that a Venture Construction Co. employee informed him and others the morning of Aug. 18, 2010, that Venture would be working on the deck of the Toll Road. The employee said Venture's work would not interfere with Jones' but that there could be cold water coming through the cracks in the deck, according to Jones' complaint.
Jones said a "large amount" of hot liquid tar came down from the deck as he was working below. The tar landed on his head and upper body, court records state. He contends he suffered burns, scars, disfigurement, medical expenses and lost wages as a result of the accident.
Venture Construction Co. had denied Jones' claims and argued he had failed to proceed with caution and ensure his own safety, court records state.
Jones' lawsuit was dismissed Tuesday after he and Venture Construction Co. reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount.
Neither Jones nor Venture's attorneys could not be reached Tuesday for comment.
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