Split Supreme Court Allows Worker to Pursue Civil Suit

A divided Alabama Supreme Court ruled that an ironworker can proceed with a tort action against his employer for injuries allegedly caused by the company's improper response to an accident. Case: Ex Parte Burkes Mechanical Inc., No. 1180402, 12/06/2019, published. Facts: Alexsie McCoy worked for Burkes Mechanical Inc. In April 2018, McCoy was working with two others in a hot, confined space at a mill owned by International Paper Co. The ironworkers were using welding torches to cut heavy metal plates when a welding line broke, igniting the air around McCoy. McCoy sustained severe b...