KBR files appeal notice, seeks dismissal of suit by family of Pa. soldier electrocuted in Iraq
By APFriday, May 1, 2009
KBR seeks dismissal of Pa. electrocution lawsuit
PITTSBURGH — A defense contractor wants an appeals court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the parents of a Pittsburgh-area soldier who was electrocuted while showering in Iraq.
The notice of appeal was filed Thursday by KBR Inc. It indicates the company will ask the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a March ruling by a federal judge who refused to dismiss the suit. The Houston-based company had argued the judge had no jurisdiction over military matters.
KBR claims it was not responsible for Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth’s death in January 2008.
Army investigators determined a pump shorted out and electrified water flowing into Maseth’s shower. The military is investigating his and 17 other electrocution deaths of troops and contractors in Iraq.
