Category Archives: Construction Workers’ Accidents

2 workers killed by falling granite at construction site

As many Kansas residents are aware, working construction is one of the most strenuous, laborious jobs there is. Anyone who has worked on a construction site can attest to this. Not only is the labor physically grueling and intense, it can also be very dangerous. Falling objects, electrocution, explosions and machinery accidents are an everyday risk for many of these workers. These workers put their lives on the line every day for their jobs.

Recently, two workers were killed in a tragic accident at a construction site. The men were working in a shipping container moving large slabs of granite. As the slabs were being offloaded from a truck, 10 of the slabs fell onto the two employees. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to find that one of the men had already died as the result of his injuries, while the other was still alive and had to be rushed to a hospital. He too died as the result of his injuries.

According to reports, crews who responded to the scene were able to break apart the granite and remove the workers within five minutes. OSHA was called in after the accident to investigate the cause. The company the men worked for had no previous accidents or violations on record. A coworker said the two men had been employees in the company for four or five years.

Losing a loved one as the result of a work accident is a tragic and heartbreaking occurrence. What loved ones should not have to suffer further with is the financial strain that often results. Medical and funeral expenses, as well as lost wages, can put loved ones in a financially trying position. However, some of these victims may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is an exclusive remedy that is mandated at the state level. Pursuing this compensation and ensuring that a victim’s rights are protected can help to alleviate some of the financial strain following a work accident.

Source: CBS, “Falling Granite Slabs Kill 2 Workers At San Francisco Construction Site,” Feb. 7, 2014

Kansas City construction site accident causes home evacuation

Construction sites are not your average Johnson County, Kansas, workplace environment. Depending on their location, they can interact with the surrounding geography in many ways. Construction sites can sometimes be situated just off main roads or freeways, and passing vehicles may need to slow down when moving through the area to ensure safety.

Even though precautionary measures may be taken, a construction site accident may impact the surrounding areas as well. Even when there is no risk of fatality, it may be necessary to implement construction site safety procedures to comply with established protocol.

A recent accident at a construction site in Kansas City, Kansas, illustrated the need for safety procedures. A fire department spokesman stated that a front loader hit a gas line during the course of the daily work operation, necessitating evacuation of a street mall adjacent to the site and nearby townhomes. The gas leak was later stopped by pinching off the line. Authorities stated that they have no reports of injury from the truck collision or the subsequent leak. The evacuation was described by officials as a precaution.

In the event of injury, legal avenues exist for receiving compensation for any injuries caused by the accident or evacuation. Employers are also legally required by state law to carry liability insurance. While compensation-related disputes are not generally anticipated, workers injured on a work site can consult with legal counsel, if they believe they have not received rightful compensation for injuries suffered.

Kansas City workers’ compensation laws allow for the reparatory payment of lost wages, apart from payments for hospital and other accident-related expenses. If any fatalities occur, death benefits may also be awarded, although no compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one.

Source: KCTV 5, “Construction accident causes gas leak in KCK,” Marc Jacobs, April 16, 2014

Female road worker dies in highway construction accident

The nature of a person’s work can involve exposure to many different dangers. This has prompted Kansas and many other states to enact protective laws, such as requiring use of protective equipment and clothing, to ensure the safety of workers in Topeka, Kansas City, and every road in between. Sometimes construction site accidents occur despite workers following the most stringent safety protocols. This is due in part to the nature of construction work, which often involves using heavy machinery and power tools. Thus, the death of a worker in a construction site accident is as much a general safety concern as a tragedy.

A recent incident resulted in the death of a 48-year-old construction worker at a highway site after a dump truck ran over the worker while backing up. Although the truck was moving slowly, and despite the worker wearing a hard hat and a safety vest, she was unable to avoid the vehicle, having only noticed it moments before the accident. Co-workers at the site apparently tried to scream a warning to the worker as well as the 25-year-old truck driver but the noisy environment made it impossible for them to be heard.

A police highway patrol investigation found that the woman, whose task involved routing traffic using signs, was kneeling on the road surface when the truck hit her.

The accident understandably shocked long-time colleagues on site and elsewhere. While her family might consider a legal route for monetary compensation, their loss can never really be adequately recompensed. Victims of construction accidents are usually eligible for workers’ compensation, but compensation amounts are likely to be determined by the insurance limit purchased by the employer. This limit ultimately may prompt a court battle. Having an experienced attorney deal with the legal issues may grant surviving family members the opportunity to grieve in peace.

Source: News9.com, “Edmond Woman Working Construction Killed On Interstate 44“, Allison Harris, March 22, 2014

Two construction workers electrocuted, killed on the job

Any Kansas resident who has worked construction is likely familiar with the extensive safety training that is required as most construction sites. This safety training is necessary because construction sites are highly hazardous environments and the risk of an accident is almost always sky-high. Yet even with all of this safety training, and the many precautions that workers are often legally required to take, accidents can still occur and the results can be catastrophic. Falling debris, malfunctioning machinery and unstable scaffolding put workers at constant risk of being injured – or worse, killed – in a work-related accident.

According to police reports, two men were recently killed in a construction accident. One of the men, age 55, was the owner of a construction company and the other, age 22, was an employee. Both were on company property when the accident took place.

The accident occurred when a dump truck made contact with live wires, according to reports. After raising its big rig to clean out snow that had gathered, the truck became electrified and the driver, after walking outside of the truck, touched the big rig and received a lethal electric shock. The owner of the construction company came rushing to help the man and he too touched the truck and was electrocuted. The two men suffered electric burns and shock and medics were unable to save them.

Considering how dangerous construction sites can be, it can be helpful for workers and their families to be familiar with their rights and the options available to them should an accident occur. One such option is workers’ compensation, which in some cases offers exclusive remedy to victims and their families after an accident occurs. Learning about workers’ compensation can help victims and their families decide whether or not it is the best option to pursue, or if other legal action is more appropriate.

Source: NBC Connecticut, “2 Electrocuted, Killed in South Windsor Construction Accident,” Feb. 19, 2014

19-year-old suffers fatal injuries in construction accident

Any Kansas resident who has worked on a construction site knows how hazardous these work environments can be. Falling objects, electrocution and heavy machinery accidents are an everyday risk. Injuries are not uncommon and, sadly, fatalities are possible. OSHA regulations set forth certain safety requirements that are put in place to protect employees. Unfortunately, these regulations cannot always prevent the tragic from occurring.

A high school student was tragically killed in a recent construction site accident. The young man, 19 years old, had been featured in the news before as an 11-year-old with dreams of becoming a NASCAR driver. These dreams inspired him to race go karts competitively and the young man had won a grand national championship for his driving skills. Tragically, the young man died while working at a highway construction site. OSHA did not release exact details regarding the nature of the accident because of an ongoing investigation.

OSHA, in compliance with the philosophy that workers have a right to a safe workplace, works to reduce hazards in the workplace by implementing certain health and safety programs, along with giving employees certain rights and responsibilities. When these rights are violated, the results are often tragic. Families of loved ones who have been injured or killed in work accidents may be left wondering what options they have for recourse.

With vigorous representation, families of loved ones may be able to pursue compensation through a number of means. There are different forms of recovery that may be appropriate based on the nature of the accident. Sometimes, a product liability claim is suitable, while other times pursuing workers’ compensation is the better option. It is important for victims and families of victims to know all of the options that are available to them.

Source: WCTV, “Fatal Construction Accident In Taylor County,” Andy Alcock, Jan. 20, 2014

Construction site accident injures 2, kills 1

In some work environments, employees are at great risk of injury or death every day. OSHA regulations and requirements are set up to help protect employees by requiring, by law, that employers secure their work environments in certain ways. Unfortunately, OSHA regulations cannot prevent every kind of mishap and workplace accidents are still a tragic reality.

Kansas residents may be shocked and saddened to learn of a recent workplace accident that resulted in the loss of a life. Three construction workers were injured in an accident involving a partial wall collapse. The accident occurred late at night when the workers were demolishing a section of a Ruby Tuesday restaurant located in a mall. Falling concrete from the demolition struck three workers – two of whom had to be rushed to a nearby hospital. One of the men, a 25-year-old, died from his injuries. The two other men suffered minor injuries. The local police department, along with OSHA, are investigating the accident.

Construction sites can be hazardous environments. Given the amount of machinery and environmental hazards that are sometimes present at these sites, there is always going to be a risk of injury. Because of this, it is prudent for workers to learn of their legal rights to make sure they are protected should anything unfortunate occur.

Whether it is a scaffolding accident, defective tool or forklift accident, construction workers who experience an accident may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation offers an exclusive remedy for those hurt on the job and can help cover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs that result from the tragedy. In some cases, however, it may be more beneficial to file a third-party liability claim – which is why it is important for workers to be aware of all the options available.

Source: CBS Chicago, “Worker Dies From Injuries In Construction Collapse At Vernon Hills Mall,” Dec. 27, 2013

Kansas construction worker injured in fall

Kansas residents know that accidents can happen at any time at any place. These accidents might occur the roads, in public places or at one’s place of employment. When an injury results from an accident at the workplace, it is important that individuals understand all their legal rights going forward with their case.

Of all places of employment, construction sites are one of the most common places for injuries. Construction site accidents can occur, even if all available precautions are observed. A Kansas construction worker was working in Olathe when he fell from the home he was working on. Firefighters who responded to the 911 call indicated that the worker fell all the way to the basement of the home and suffered serious injuries as a result of the fall.

When a worker is injured at a construction site, there are a number of individuals that could be potentially liable to the injured worker for the injuries they sustained. The individuals responsible can include the engineers and architects of the site, the contractor, including the primary and sub, as well as the site owner. In order to determine who is responsible in a particular case, it is important to understand the roles and responsibilities of each party for each individual project.

Construction site accidents will often involve a lot of fact-finding and require detailed analysis to determine all the responsible parties and their liabilities. There will also be a need for the injured party to have a thorough examination of the site where the accident occurred. Experienced legal professionals with an expertise in construction site accidents would be beneficial for individuals who have been injured at a construction site. The legal professional will ensure that the victim receives all the compensation to which they are entitled.

Source: KMBC News, “Worker injured in fall at Olathe home under construction“, Sept. 19, 2013

Construction accidents can happen anywhere

Kansas residents know that some professions are more dangerous than others. However, when one is a construction worker, the worker is often exposed to unfamiliar surroundings. This fact, coupled with the dangerous nature of construction in general can sometimes lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Recently, a construction worker was badly injured while working on a job at a college university campus. The construction worker had to be taken away in an ambulance after he fell from a basket lift. Luckily, the worker was wearing a harness which kept him from falling and hitting the ground.

As one can see, construction accidents can happen at any time and any place. Even the most organized and secure construction site can give way to accidents. Even when an individuals is using extreme care and caution, construction site injuries can occur. It is for this reason that employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If a worker is injured on the job, the insurance company will likely pay for the injured workers’ medical expenses, as well as additional permanent disability benefits if the injuries prevent the worker from ever returning to his normal duties.

Insurance companies may fight the payment of benefits, as not all injuries are covered under workers compensation. Injuries suffered while driving to or from work are typically not covered, as well as some injuries that are suffered while not performing one’s regular work duties. Experienced legal professionals are available to make sure any Kansas resident who as suffered an injury on the job receives all the benefits to which they are entitled.

Source: Fox 6 News, “Construction worker injured in accident at UA“, Sept. 5, 2013

Construction accident leaves worker seriously injured

When Kansas residents drive along roadways and see beautiful buildings, hotels and office spaces, they don’t often think of the construction worker who spent long, hard, laboring hours creating the structure. Construction workers are often underappreciated and unfortunately in one of the more dangerous professions for workplace accidents.

Recently, a construction worker was seriously injured while working on the job. The 40 year-old man suffered nearly a complete amputation of his leg after a piece of heavy equipment fell. He was flown by medical helicopter to a local hospital. He was admitted to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive. A firefighter who responded on the scene was also injured and treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.

Construction accidents are much more common than in other professions. While the risk of construction worker accidents is increased due to the nature of the work, all employees who are injured in the workplace will be entitled to compensation from their employer. Workers compensation benefits entitle the injured worker to lost wages while recovering from the injury, medical expenses, as well as compensation benefits if the worker is permanently incapacitated and cannot continue in his normal job duties.

There are some instances, however, when an injured worker will be unable to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Examples can include injuries that the employee suffered while driving to or from work, or certain instances where the employee was not following workplace safety policies. It is important to note that even if the employee was not physically in his regular work environment when the injury occured, he is still eligible for worker’s compensation benefits if he was injured by performing a task connected to his or her job.

Any Kansas resident who has been injured in the workplace needs to make sure they understand all their available legal options. Experienced employment law legal professionals can analyze the details in a specific case and help determine what the best solution would be.

Source: Wusa 9 News, “Worker seriously injured in construction accident“, August 22, 2013

Worker dies in crane accident at construction site

Kansas residents know that there is always the chance of suffering an injury when on the job. However, when one works in the construction industry, the nature of the work puts the employee at a greater risk for injuries and even death than other professions.

Recently, a construction worker lost his life during a tragic construction accident. Two construction workers were working on a power line project when the crane accident occurred. In order to complete the project, the two men had to be lowered by a crane into a 50-foot hole. As the crane was lowering them, a strap broke, causing the men to fall 20 to 30 feet.

Sadly, one of the workers lost his life due to head injuries sustained from the impact of the fall. The other construction worker suffered only minor injuries. The local sheriff’s department, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is investigating the accident.

If an individual loses his life or suffers injuries while on the job, the injured employee or the loved ones of the decedent may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandated by the government at the state level for certain groups of employers in every state. The benefits may include payment for medical treatment and compensation for employees who suffer permanent injury as a result of their workplace accidents. In addition, an injured employee may be able to receive payment for lost wages and the cost of any future training that he or she may require, if the injury necessitates a move to a different position within the company.

Kansas residents who have been injured on the job should make sure their rights are protected. Suffering an injury can be a very traumatic experience, so it is key that the responsible parties are brought to justice and that the victim receives all the compensation to which he or she is entitled.

Source: News 9 Oklahoma, “Oklahoma Man Killed In Minnesota Construction Accident“,