As the largest public works project in the history of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Deep Rock Tunnel Connector project has cost almost a quarter of a billion dollars and employed thousands of local workers. After one of these workers was left incapacitated with a brain injury due to an on-site boring machine explosion, Wagner Reese attorney Stephen Wagner was hired to represent plaintiff Tyler Tompkins and his wife in a lawsuit against a contractor and boring machine manufacturer, serving as co-counsel with Fort Wayne attorney Robert Boughter of Boughter Sinak, LLC.
In filing a lawsuit against Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems, USA, and contractor Shambaugh & Son, L.P. earlier this week, we allege that the Deep Rock Tunnel explosion was caused by preventable design defects during the boring machine manufacturing process, as well as negligence at the work site. After having an outside consultant examine the tunnel boring machine and related piping, we believe that the tunnel boring machine (TBM) had critical design defects, including in its pipe system.
Tyler Tompkins was working 200 feet underground when the explosion happened. He needed immediate hospitalization for his injuries, which included a life-threatening traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even after receiving prompt medical care, Mr. Tompkins is now physically and mentally incapacitated, requiring his wife Claire to become his legal guardian.
In the lawsuit, our team is seeking monetary compensation to account for the Tompkins’ medical expenses, lost quality of life, pain and suffering, court costs, and long-term care needs. We are committed to fighting for Mr. Tompkins and his wife to ensure that they receive justice.
For more information on how we can help with personal injury claims, we invite you to contact our attorneys today. Call (888) 204-8440 to get started with a free consultation.
