Couple sues over hot manhole cover

Published 9:48 am Thursday, December 26, 2013

DULUTH — A Georgia couple is suing Duluth’s steam plant after they say their 2-year-old son received second-degree burns from a hot manhole cover.

Megan and Troy Brown, from Canton, Ga., are seeking more than $50,000 from the Duluth Steam Cooperative.

The lawsuit says the family was visiting Duluth for a wedding on Aug. 26, 2011, when they stopped for a photo in front of the Aerial Lift Bridge.

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The lawsuit says the boy, Jacob, tripped and fell on the manhole cover that left him with second-degree burns above his ankle.

In court documents, Duluth Steam has denied it should be responsible for any damages. The plant’s attorney, Steve Reyelts, declined comment.

A trial date has tentatively been set for Jan. 7.