FARGO, ND (trfnews.i234.me)—On June 23, 2023, Donald D. Schatz, employed by Great Plains Technical Services, was assigned to clean electrical equipment at an American Crystal Sugar Company facility. During this task, he was informed that the power to a specific switchgear or electrical box had been deactivated. Contrary to this information, the equipment remained live, resulting in Mr. Schatz receiving an electrical shock of approximately 12,400 volts.
In response to the incident, Mr. Schatz and his spouse, Beverly A. Schatz, have filed a civil lawsuit against American Crystal Sugar Company. The lawsuit, submitted in federal court, seeks compensation exceeding $75,000 for injuries sustained and associated loss of income.
This case has been registered under the docket number 3:25-cv-00009 in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. The nature of the suit is categorized under personal injury.
American Crystal Sugar Company has previously faced legal actions related to workplace safety. In a separate incident, an Illinois man filed a lawsuit against the company after sustaining severe burns at one of its facilities.
Additionally, the company has been cited for safety violations. In March 2013, the facility was fined for having improper guards over wall openings, leading to employee injuries.
The current lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety protocols at American Crystal Sugar Company facilities.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me