A garbage truck driver has filed a lawsuit against Penn Township and a resident, claiming he was run over by his own truck after it struck a leaning and overhanging tree.
Tyler Spade of Uniontown, a driver for Republic Services, which provides garbage removal services in Penn Township, claims he drove on Dutch Hollow Road near Baughman Road on Aug. 9 when the right rear ladder and corner of the refuse truck struck what he claimed was an overhanging tree.
The impact caused Spade to be thrown from the truck. As the vehicle veered left, his legs were run over before it careened over a berm and down an embankment, according to the lawsuit filed in Westmoreland County Court.
Spade claims he suffered leg fractures, permanent nerve damage, lacerations, abrasions and contusions that caused him pain, anguish, sickness and agony. He is seeking an unspecified amount in damages in the lawsuit.
In addition to Penn Township, the lawsuit names PennDOT, the owner of the property where the tree was located and 10 unnamed people as defendants.
The lawsuit accuses Penn Township of negligence for not properly maintaining the roadway, including clearing it of obvious impediments, such the overhanging tree.
Similar claims were lodged against the property owner and PennDOT, as well as the other defendants.
Penn Township Manager Mary Perez said she has not seen the lawsuit and declined to comment. The property owner could not be reached for comment.
