$9.2 million settlement resolves claims over 2015 death of Eads Bridge worker

ST. LOUIS • A federal judge here on Wednesday approved a $9.2 million settlement of legal claims that arose after a towboat hit scaffolding on the Eads Bridge in 2015, sending a worker to his death.

The bulk of the insurance money paid out on behalf of Central Contracting & Marine of Festus will go to relatives of James "Jimmy" Pigue, 24, of Dittmer, lawyers said in court.

Pigue's wife and now 6-year-old daughter will receive $6.2 million before attorneys' fees, costs and other items, and Pigue's parents will receive $1.1 million.

Thomas Industrial Coatings of Peveley, Pigue's employer, will receive $550,000 for its damages and the general contractor, St. Louis Bridge Construction Company of Arnold, will receive $540,000. Bi-State, or Metro, will receive $15.000 and two crew members on the boat will receive $300,000 and $450,000, respectively, for their injuries.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/million-settlement-resolves-claims-over-death-of-eads-bridge-worker/article_73be4e5a-9aec-5aee-8d8c-216d517fdcdc.html