LOCK HAVEN - The employer for the water tanker driver killed in May in a Renovo area accident claims it cannot be sued by his estate.
Trans Tech Logistics Inc. of Toledo, Ohio, contends in documents filed Friday in U.S. Middle District Court at Williamsport that all claims arising out of the accident fall under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act.
That act is the sole means of recovery against employers for all injuries arising from accidents that occur during the course of employment, Trans Tech claims in a motion seeking dismissal of the suit.
The family of a man killed when his brakes allegedly failed on the water tanker he was driving in western Clinton County in May has filed a federal lawsuit against companies affiliated with Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration.
Maria Garlick of Lock Haven, the wife of the late George B. "Bart" Garlick III, filed suit last month in U.S. Middle District Court in Williamsport as administrator of the estate of her 50-year-old late husband.
According to the suit, Garlick, the father of two sons, was operating the tank truck on May 16 when the brakes failed as he traveled on Halls Run Road, causing him to lose control of the truck.
The tanker left the road and rolled down an embankment, killing him.
Defendants besides Trans Tech are three QC Energy Resources Inc. firms and four Anadarko Petroleum Corp. related companies. All are involved in Marcellus Shale natural gas activity.
The complaint states the truck was owned and maintained by Trans Tech and QC Energy and was under contract to Anadarko. The latter is accused of failing to ensure routine maintenance was performed that made the truck fit for service.
Trans Tech alleges in court documents Garlick was traveling too fast for road and weather conditions and he failed to apply his brakes in a timely manner.
