JOHNSTOWN — A Washington County contractor who fell while working on a Fulton-Montgomery Community College project in summer 2018 is suing both Fulton and Montgomery counties.
Norman Himes of County Highway 41, Hudson Falls, filed a lawsuit June 20 in state Supreme Court in Johnstown, seeking unspecified damages from the two counties.
He is represented by Schenectady-based Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP.
The complaint states that Himes was employed by Bast Hatfield Construction, LLC of Clifton Park. That firm was hired to do a project at FMCC on Route 67 that involved construction, renovation and repairs.
The lawsuit indicates that Himes was working at 1:30 p.m. June 28, 2018 on the project and “fell from an elevated height, resulting in injuries.” The suit alleges the fall was “due to a lack of proper and adequate scaffolding, lifts, proper work platforms, ladders, bracing, guarding hoist, stays, slings, blocks, catch platforms, safety harnesses, safety lines, safety belts, nets” and other necessary safety devices.
Himes was injured permanently by the incident, court papers allege.
“Claimant has been totally disabled from his employment as a laborer since the date of the incident,” the complaint said. “At this time, it is not known when he will be able to return to work.”
Himes is seeking past and future lost earnings, including benefits, the lawsuit says.
Bast Hatfield Construction Inc. has been one of the prime contractors in recent years at FMCC, including for the PE Building Bathrooms and Locker Rooms project and the Student Union project.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at [email protected]
