Construction Accident

April 18, 2024

Road Crews Encourage Drivers to Exercise Caution in Work Zones | Florida Car Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

As we travel the busy roads and highways of our daily commute, it is easy to ignore the many construction crews and infrastructure projects that maintain safety and function on our Florida roadways. Work zone accidents claim hundreds of lives each year, highlighting the urgent need for increased knowledge and safety precautions.

Work Zone Awareness Week, recognized by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in conjunction with numerous other transportation partners, construction crews, and law enforcement agencies, serves as a real reminder of the people behind the orange cones and flashing lights. According to FDOT data, there were 277 major injuries and 293 fatalities in construction zones throughout the state between 2020 and 2023. Work Zone Awareness Week takes place this year from April 15-19 and aims to inform and increase awareness about the significance of safe driving practices in and near work zones.

FDOT will experience Work Zone Awareness Week differently this year, since a team member died in January after being killed by a driver while putting up a work zone. This tragic loss to the FDOT team serves as a sharp reminder of the hazards crews face when carrying out their job duties despite the risks involved, and that safety on our roads is everyone’s responsibility.

Work zones are dynamic areas in which workers are frequently within a few feet from fast-moving traffic. The mix of heavy machinery, unexpected road conditions, and distracted drivers can lead to disaster. More than half of these crashes between 2020 and 2023 were caused by front-to-rear impact collisions, underscoring the importance of being alert when driving through a work zone, particularly when it calls for frequent stops and slowed traffic to protect workers and other road users.

Encouraging Safety in Work Zones
Ensuring the safety of all road users, specifically construction workers, is a critical responsibility of drivers. We may reduce the risks connected with work zones by being alert, patient, and compliant with traffic laws. The following are some vital pointers to remember:

Reduce your speed and focus
It is crucial to slow down and remain vigilant when entering a work zone. Maintain a safe distance behind the car in front of you, and be ready for lane closures or abrupt stops.
2. Pay attention to instructions and signs
Observe signage carefully, and heed any instructions given by flaggers or construction workers. Ignoring warnings or attempting to navigate around barriers can endanger lives.
Merge early and stay in your lane
In order to prevent last-minute maneuvers, merge into the proper lane well before you reach the work zone. Changing lanes in a work zone can be confusing and elevate the risk of collisions.
4. Eliminate distractions
Put your phone away, avoid eating and drinking, and concentrate entirely on the task of driving. In a work zone, minor diversions could result in significant consequences.
Be patient
Though delays and other inconveniences are fleeting, driving recklessly can have long-lasting consequences. Be patient, and show respect to other drivers and construction workers.

The nature of road construction work can be hazardous, but drivers can contribute to making it safer for everyone by keeping an eye out for changing traffic patterns, driving attentively, obeying work zone speed limits, avoiding all distractions, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Responsible driving behaviors by everyone can ensure that we all get home safe. Continue reading

May 15, 2023

Construction Worker Killed in Fall Accident in Bal Harbour | Miami Construction Accident Death Lawyers Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

According to officials, a construction worker died after falling several levels from a parking garage in Miami.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Bal Harbour Shops, which are located close to Collins Avenue and 96th Street.

According to a witness, the worker died after falling several levels from a parking garage.

A statement was made by Bal Harbour Shops expressing their condolences for the death of the man who was harmed in a workplace accident at their construction site. News articles claim they are fully cooperating with authorities to help identify why the accident happened.

Accidents at construction sites can easily result in severe injuries and fatalities. The most common cause of injury and fatality among construction workers is falls from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs. In fact, 65% of construction accidents happen while workers are on improperly designed or otherwise dangerous scaffolds, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Other construction-related incidents occur when workers are struck by falling objects, get entangled between objects, suffer electrocutions, or slip and fall or trip and fall. Our Miami Construction Accident Death Lawyers Whittel & Melton can help you recover the full and fair compensation you are due after suffering a workplace injury in Bal Harbour, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and elsewhere in Miami-Dade County. We can also hold any negligent parties accountable for the wrongful death of a loved one who was killed in a construction mishap in Miami.

When Should I Hire a Miami Construction Accidental Death Lawyer?

It can be difficult to identify the at-fault party for a construction site accidental death. Contractors and subcontractors often work together on a construction site, so both parties could share blame. An investigation must be launched right away to determine who was overseeing job duties and from there assess who is liable for your loved one’s specific accident.

The owner of the construction site could be found liable for the harm your loved one incurred on a construction site if they have any influence on how work duties were carried out, as well as if they were your loved one’s direct supervisor. If a general contractor maintains sufficient control over the safety of the construction project, designating a qualified supervisor, assigning a person in charge of preventing accidents, coordinating the work, and overseeing the methods and procedures used on the job site, they may be directly liable for any errors or mishaps on the part of subcontractors or other employees that lead to an accidental death. Continue reading

February 3, 2022

News: Construction worker dies on job site at US Hwy 27/441 bridge

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

LADY LAKE, FL – A worker was killed after being buried under rubble at the bridge at US Hwy 27/441 on Wednesday.

According to the Villages News, the construction worker was operating a skid steer loader, commonly known as a Bobcat, when his path was obstructed. He crawled into a hole to investigate the issue when a retaining wall caved in, burying him underneath.

A rescue effort quickly ensued in an attempt to unearth the man. Emergency personnel worked to remove debris with the help of heavy equipment.

August 11, 2020

Six Workers Hospitalized in Rebar Malfunction Accident at Construction Site in Brickell | Florida Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys at Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

On Wednesday, six workers were taken to the hospital for injuries related to a rebar mishap at a construction site at 830 Brickell in Miami, according to officials.

Miami Fire Rescue officials said the crane was lifting bundles of rebar when it collapsed on the six workers. It is unknown why the rebar suddenly malfunctioned.

Rebar is a steel reinforcing bar that adds stability to buildings that are under construction.

The workers became trapped in the debris, and the rebar impaled two of the six workers. One worker was able to climb out of the rubble on his own, and three others were pulled out by a rescue team.

All six workers were taken to the hospital with serious and critical injuries.

G&E Florida Contractors is building the structure and all six workers are employed by the company.

The crane operator is employed by a subcontractor, Morrow Equipment.

According to reports, all three of the companies involved with the accident have previous violations with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

An OSHA report shows that just last month, G&E was issued a notice for a similar violation at a different job site in Miami and is facing a nearly $7,000 fine.

OSHA also shows that Morrow reached a settlement of $8,300 for a fall violation in 2018.

The incident that happened Wednesday also resulted in a street closure.

The accident is still under investigation.

Construction sites can be the scenes of numerous accidents that result in tragedy. Construction is an inherently dangerous industry, and it makes sense, because workers are literally building their worksite as they go along. This creates a work environment that is constantly changing which can easily result in serious injuries and even death. This is why construction sites must have strict safety rules and protocols in place.

According to OSHA, the construction industry accounts for one in five worker fatalities. The majority of these deaths and serious injuries can all be traced back to federal and state safety violations that are implemented to keep workers safe.

There are several types of construction site accidents that are most commonly responsible for worker injuries and deaths, including:

Falls
Workers being struck by an object (rebar falling on workers)
Crush injuries
Electrocution
Forklift Accidents
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Highway construction accidents

If you are a construction site worker and you suffered an injury while on the job, you have the right to hold the at-fault party responsible. There may be multiple parties to blame, including your supervisors, company owners, and even property owners. While your job may be dangerous, that does not mean you have no safety precautions available. You have the right to safety during the entire duration of your employment at a construction site. If your employer does not take the appropriate steps to keep you and other workers free from harm, then they can be held liable for their oversights. Our Florida Injury and Wrongful Death Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are here to help you take appropriate action.

Your employer and its insurer will have lawyers on their side fighting to protect them once a construction accident happens. You need legal representation on your side to represent your best interests. We can help you make sure you are being compensated justly for your suffering. We can review the facts of your case and figure out if your injury merits a workers’ compensation claim, a lawsuit, or possibly both. We can also gather evidence on your behalf to help prove your right to certain benefits and financial compensation. Finally, we can negotiate with all parties involved on your behalf for a favorable settlement agreement, or argue your case in court.

December 6, 2016

2 Workers In Serious Condition After Moving Transformer For Lakeland Electric

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Two workers have been seriously injured while assisting the move of a 150-ton power plant transformer from Riverview to Lakeland Electric’s McIntosh Power Plant, according to reports.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 24-year-old man was walking alongside the 300-foot trailer Saturday when he tripped on a raised concrete line marker and fell into the path of a wheel.

Then, a 27-year-old man tried to help the other man and was also struck by the trailer, which was traveling at about 2 miles per hour. The incident occurred near the end of the trip.

The report says both men were taken to Lakeland Regional Hospital in serious condition.

Our Florida Worker’s Compensation Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are ready to help you if you have been injured while on the job. We can help with the following types of cases:

Construction Accidents
Back or Neck Injuries
On The Job Wrongful Death Claims
Disfigurement & Scarring Injuries
OSHA violations
Product Liability Cases

If you or someone you love has been injured in a work accident, we can help with your claims. We strongly urge you to focus on your recovery, and leave the legal matters to us.

August 10, 2015

Man Falls 3 Stories in Construction Site Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A man fell about three stories at a construction site on International Drive Thursday afternoon.

According to an Orange County spokeswoman, the man was conscious when firefighters reached him.

The man, in his 40s, was taken by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center, according to reports.

The construction site is near International Drive and World Center Drive.

He was under a trauma alert, which means he was in serious or critical condition.

It is not clear how the man fell from scaffolding.

Scaffolds are temporary structures that are designed to elevate a construction worker and materials to a height. Usually scaffolds are used to walk around a structure.

Improper connections and sharp corners can result in minor scaffolding-related injuries like cuts and bruises. Plank failures, falling planks, pipe failures, falling pipes, support failures, falling supports, falling objects and falls to the ground can lead to severe scaffolding-related injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, fractures, paralysis, nerve damage and wrongful death.

If you or a loved have been injured while working at a jobsite, you and your family may be entitled to receive financial compensation for health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income and pain and suffering.

April 25, 2013

Florida Injury Attorney :: Man Seriously Injured in Orlando Electrocution Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A man was severely injured early Thursday morning after he was electrocuted in an apparent industrial accident in the 8000 block of Presidents Drive.

According to Orange County Fire Rescue, the man was working close to power lines where a warehouse stands around 10 a.m. The contact apparently ignited a fire.

Sheriff’s deputies closed the roadway. The man was taken to the hospital with what officials described as serious injuries.

No other details regarding the man’s status were immediately available.

Many electrocution accidents result in severe and catastrophic injuries. Electric shock can not only badly burn the skin, but result in damage to the nervous system, the heart and even the brain. Severe electrocution can also result in wrongful death. When an injury of this nature is sustained, your medical bills can increase rapidly, not to mention the excruciating amount of pain you may be suffering. It is very important to seek full compensation from any negligent parties for your treatment, both now and in the future.

September 22, 2012

Construction Worker Rescued from Tampa Accident Site :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A man was airlifted to a local hospital in Tampa Friday morning after firefighters rescued him from a construction accident under the Interstate 75 overpass.

The man was apparently working on the construction site when an unknown accident took place around 11 a.m.

He was apparently working in a 9-foot deep ditch when the wet dirt gave way and buried him.

His current condition is unknown.

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, one in ten construction site workers are injured on the job every year across the U.S. In fact, there are nearly 150,000 construction site accident injuries every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you were injured while working on a construction site, you may be able to seek financial compensation for damages.

While injured construction workers may face limited rights under the state of Florida’s Worker’s Compensation Laws, there are ways to obtain compensation from the negligent parties that contributed to your injuries. When an accident on a construction site occurs, the owners, architects, insurance companies and manufacturers of equipment may be held accountable for failing to supply workers with a safe environment. In general, the contractor and any subcontractors are required to supply workers with a reasonably safe site, free from hazardous objects and toxic substances. Additionally, they must properly train all employees, enforce building safety codes, warn all employees of any danger zones and coordinate job safety. Despite various safety regulations, workers face many risks when on construction sites resulting in numerous injuries every year.

Many serious work-related injuries are due to falls from great heights. However, even something as minor as tripping over a misplaced piece of piping can deliver devastating injuries. The most common construction site injuries include:

• Broken Bones or Fractures
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Electrocution
• Amputation
• Scarring and Disfigurement
• Wrongful Death

April 1, 2011

Tampa, Florida Accident Attorney :: Construction Worker Stuck in Cement Hopper in North Hillsborough County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

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.