Family of Lake in the Hills Man Sue Over Deadly Auger Accident

The family of Timothy Pittas, a 26-year-old Lake in the Hills man killed on Dec. 12 near Streamwood when his clothes became caught in an auger, "is suing the machinery’s manufacturer, installer and retailer," according to the Daily Herald.

The lawsuit was filed Monday morning in Cook County Circuit Court against Buyers Products Co., based in Ohio; Rugby Manufacturing Co., based in North Dakota; Rockenbach Chevrolet Sales Inc., based in Grayslake; and Scott Wezalis, who is "described in the suit as 'an employee or agent of Rockenbach,' " according to the Daily Herald. 

The family alleges in the lawsuit that an emergency shut-off device or similar guard was needed on the auger and the auger should have had warnings on it explaining "it could unexpectedly entangle clothes worn by the operator," according to the Daily Herald.