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SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah corporation is seeking just under $5 million in damages from the University of Utah and the state of Utah for negligence, according to a suit filed Tuesday in 3rd District Court.
The Thermal West Industrial corporation was contracted to work on the construction of a new tunnel system through and underneath the U. campus. During that project, on Nov. 1, 2010, more than 40,000 gallons of hot water were released into the tunnel system after a high-temperature water release occurred, prompting an evacuation of the tunnel, according to the suit.
The suit states that nine Thermal West Industrial workers were injured by steam from the release, resulting in medical expenses and lost time.
As a result of the accident, the company claims that its safety rating was affected to the point of losing a number of customer contracts. Furthermore, the suit states that an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation determined that the university was at fault for the incident.
According to the suit, the university had classified the water line as "abandoned" but failed to remove the valve, thus allowing the hot water and steam to enter the tunnel system.
The suit claims damages of $4,505,000 in lost revenue from contracts and $325,000 in increased workmen's compensations costs. In all, the suit's plaintiff asks the court for a minimum retribution of $4,829,000 as well as attorney costs and any other relief deemed proper by the court.
Neil Sabin, who represents Thermal West Industrial, said the suit covers only costs incurred by the corporation. Some injured workers are reportedly considering individual suits to recoup medical costs and lost wages.
When contacted Tuesday, U. spokesperson Remi Barron said the university had not yet had a chance to review the suit and declined to comment.
Email:benwood@desnews.com
