By MONROE ROARK
Staff Writer

Testimony began Tuesday morning in Judge Paschal English's courtroom in Superior Court in the case of a man suing an equipment company over an accident that cost him part of his leg.

Robert E. Johnson is seeking damages from Paul Sagon and Sagon Equipment Co. Sales and Leasing after a 1994 accident at a Riverdale apartment complex that resulted in the amputation of a portion of his left leg. Johnson, a widower in his mid-60s, now wears a prosthesis and walks with a cane.

A concrete worker for most of his career, Johnson was tearing out concrete at the Advantages Apartments the week of the accident.

That involves breaking up and removing old concrete, putting down rock dust and using a mechanical packer to prepare the hole for new concrete.

The opening witness Tuesday morning, Johnson testified that he was standing in a six-inch-deep hole as barricades were being placed around it for safety, when a piece of heavy equipment began rolling and Johnson's leg was trapped under it and the barricade.

Johnson's attorney had him come out of the witness box to identify photographs of the site, as well as pictures of himself removing his socks and shoes to display his prosthesis.

It was pointed out by Johnson's own attorney that he does drink alcohol, but he repeatedly testified that he never does so before or during work.

Cross-examination was expected to begin later Tuesday.