Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Hillsborough County Fire rescue responded to a construction scene in Lutz, Florida Monday where a worker fell into a cement hopper that trapped his arm and shoulder. He was transported to Tampa General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Fourteen firefighters responded to the scene at 2:37 p.m. According to MSNBC, the man’s arm and shoulder were freed by 3:37 p.m. after the cement mixer was disassembled.
A surgeon was flown to the accident site as a precaution.
Property owners, developers, and construction managers have a responsibility to keep their buildings and properties safe from issues that could cause an accident to an employee or visitor. This means equipment needs to be maintained, debris or materials must be stored safely so that slip and falls do not happen, toxic substances or hazardous objects should not be on site, all employees hired need to have proper training, proper building safety codes should be enforced and everyone on site from employees to visitors should be notified of unsafe areas within the vicinity of the property.
Through the state of Florida’s worker’s compensation laws, most employers must provide proper coverage for workers’ by paying into the Worker’s Compensation Insurance Program to protect their workers. Eligibility for worker’s compensation benefits depend on if the employee in question can prove they were injured on site during their term of employment. If injuries prove to be work-related then the employee can be compensated for lost wages and medical bills.
The man featured in this story could recover from third parties outside of the workers compensation system depending on what caused the injuries sustained. Accidents involving a construction site can be convoluted because of the many contributors implicated in the construction site including the owner, the general contractor and multiple subcontractors. If the injuries are caused by faulty machinery, the manufacturer of the flawed equipment may also be responsible for the damages.
If you have been injured on the job anywhere in the state of Florida contact the Florida Accident Attorneys at the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC online or call 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).