A man who claims that he injured his back at a Conoco station recently filed a lawsuit against the station's owner.
The personal injury lawsuit claims that after James Burkhart swiped his credit card at the No. 6 pump, he was covered with gasoline that began spewing from a tear in the hose.
The suit claims that the top of the hose had torn moments after a customer drove off with the nozzle still in the tank. A Conoco employee told him to move the vehicle away from the pump without turning on his ignition.
Burkhart attempted to push the car, and injured his back.
The premises liability lawsuit alleges that the station's owner, St. Louis-based Midwest Petroleum, was negligent for:
- Failing to turn off the gasoline supply to pump No. 6 after the previous customer tore the hose.
- Failing to adequately warn customers of a hazardous condition.
- Failing to assist Burkhart in moving his car from the pool of gasoline.
The personal injury claim states that Burkhart suffered a back injury, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and incurred medical expenses. It further alleges that he incurred losses to his vehicle and other personal property.
The premises liability lawsuit asks for an award commensurate with his damages and for the cost of bringing the lawsuit.
Reference:
"Man Files Suit Against Service Station," Ewardsville.com, Steve Horrell, April 2006.
