Man killed in Bridgewater accident Sept. 14
By:Eric Schwarz
The family of James Thoden, a Somerset County electrician killed Sept. 14 while installing a traffic light, has filed notice that it may sue Bridgewater Township and the state for damages.
John Blume, a lawyer from Chatham, last week filed a $5 million lawsuit claim on behalf of Mr. Thoden’s widow, who lives on Lincoln Avenue in Manville.
Such claims, required six months before suit can be brought against government agencies, must be filed within 90 days of the incident.
"I filed that to protect my clients’ rights," Mr. Blume said.
He said the township and state may or may not have been responsible to prevent the accident that killed Mr. Thoden.
"It could be that none of these are responsible," he said Tuesday. "As of today I’ve been unable to get even a police report."
Mr. Thoden, 45, was helping to install a light on Commons Way near Bridgewater Commons when a truck owned by Midco Waste Systems of New Brunswick passed underneath and struck the bottom of the cage in which the workers were standing.
Mr. Thoden was thrown to his death. A co-worker sustained minor injuries.
The truck driver, Peter Salvatore of Edison, was not charged with any motor vehicle violations.
Mr. Blume said he is working on potential litigation against the trucking company.
"Of course the truck is responsible," he said. "The driver would also be brought in."
A safety manager at Midco was not available for comment Wednesday.
See also:
Manville man killed in Bridgewater accident