Worker Describes Gruesome Assault

BEAUMONT, Texas (CN) - A violent worker at a South Texas manufacturer shoved a pressurized air hose up a co-worker's rectum, causing serious internal injuries, the man claims in court.

Javier Nava-Cruz sued Quality Mat Company and Miguel Angel Polvo-Cuantinanquiz on Monday in Jefferson County Court.

Quality Mat describes itself on its website as the world's largest producer of portable lumber mats used in road beds, pipelines and oil rigs.

Nava-Cruz claims the incident occurred on Sept. 25, 2012.

"Defendant and co-worker, Miguel Angel Polvo-Cuantinaquiz, took it upon himself to have three other men hold down plaintiff and remove his clothing while said defendant forcefully shoved a pressurized air hose into plaintiff's rectum and turned the machine on, which blew air into plaintiff's rectum at an extremely high rate," the lawsuit states.

"Plaintiff screamed for them to stop until he was no longer conscious."

Nava-Cruz was taken to an emergency room where it was determined he suffered severe injuries to his intestines and rectum, according to the complaint. He required emergency surgery.

"The co-worker that assaulted plaintiff had a known propensity among his co-workers, supervisor and employers for unprovoked violence, as he had physically assaulted plaintiff and other co-workers prior to this occurrence during his employment with the defendant," the complaint states.

Nava-Cruz claims Quality Mat failed to use ordinary care in determining whether Polvo-Cuantinanquiz was competent to be hired.

Quality Mat did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening.

Nava-Cruz seeks actual and punitive damages for negligent hiring and gross negligence. He is represented by Joaquina Rodriguez of Houston.

Follow @davejourno

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