A Plainfield man has sued one of the makers of the Thermatron, claiming a defect in the equipment, which is used for welding and sealing, caused him to be electrocuted.

A product liability civil lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut on behalf of Joe Corcoran alleges he was using the heavy equipment when something went terribly wrong.

Corcoran, the federal lawsuit states, was working with the equipment in September 2017 when he was “suddenly and unexpectedly electrocuted.” He suffered a concussion, myalgia or muscle pain, electric shock with entry finger wounds, muscle injury, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, numbness in his elbows, weakness in the hands, pain in the calves and thighs, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, depression and anxiety, according to his lawsuit.

The eight-page complaint alleges the Thermatron malfunctioned. It also alleges the manufacturer, Sealectric Inc., was liable for Corcoran's injuries, pursuant to the Connecticut General Statutes.

Sealectric had not assigned an attorney to the case as of Monday. The  company, which is headquartered in Clifton, New Jersey, referred all comment to owner Walter Smith, who did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

Meanwhile, the suit says Sealectric, which has been in business since 1946, “knew or should have known that the design and manufacture of the product and its attendant component parts were in a condition that was not merchantable or fit for the purpose for which such product is ordinarily and foreseeably used.”

The suit adds that the equipment was made in an “unsafe manner that did not allow for it to be used for its proper and intended function without foreseeable danger and unreasonable risk of harm.” It alleges the company was “negligent” and “breached its implied warranty.”

Corcoran lost time from work, according to his complaint, which seeks at least $500,000 for medical expenses, impairment of earning capacity, pain and suffering, future impairment and loss of enjoyment of life. The suit also seeks attorney fees and costs.

Misty Percifield of Hartford-based The Ment Law Group represents Corcoran. She did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

The case has been assigned to Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven.

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