StageCo Sued Over Tower Collapse StageCo has been sued in Texas state court by Christie Lites for damages sustained when a 90' lighting tower erected by StageCo collapsed prior to a nationally televised motocross event at the Fort Worth Stockyards in June, 2009. Christie Lites, plaintiff in the lawsuit styled Cause No. 096 246397 10; Christie Lites Dallas, Inc. d/b/a Christie Lites v. StageCo U.S., Inc.; In the 96th Judicial District Court in and for Tarrant County, Texas alleges that StageCo was negligent in the design and construction of the tower. A specialized lighting array and equipment owned by Christie Lites, elevated atop the tower was totally destroyed. Huntly Christie, Christie Lites' CEO, commented that it was extremely fortunate that the collapse of the tower occurred just days prior to the scheduled event, with only physical damage to the lighting array, grandstands and general admission area. Had the tower collapsed during the event it might have caused severe injury and possible loss of life to spectators and field personnel. Christie Lites is seeking actual damages in excess of $500,000, and to ensure that this type of incident does not jeopardize public safety for future events, $1,000,000 in punitive damages. Tom Bilsen, Stageco operations manager, told Lighting&Sound International today: "Stageco takes its responsibilities very seriously, we are fully insured, and so all parties will be appropriately protected and reimbursed. Following this unfortunate incident we initiated our own investigation; there are multiple parties and multiple factors under consideration, such as unpredicted wind gusts, and most importantly, there were no injuries. This law suit relates to the collapse of one of eight towers days before the event which took place as planned. We anticipate the judges will need time to resolve this complex matter." 
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