Construction Accidents Rise As Florida Continues Expansion
From Tallahassee the Keys, Florida’s already vast infrastructure is expanding to accommodate the needs of technology, education, law enforcement and an influx of new residents. When construction projects are undertaken, it’s natural to expand workforces. And, with an expanded workforce comes the likelihood someone will get seriously injured.
Construction accidents mean not only do projects stall, but an individual is taken out of the workforce, causing his or her family to needlessly suffer. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows 76 deaths in the private construction sector in 2016, up 10 from the previous data period.
What data doesn’t depict is the economic impairment and life-long aftereffects of construction accidents. And it doesn’t just affect workers, either.
FIU Bridge Flaw
Florida International University rolled out their newly built bridge, only to discover too late that engineering flaws caused innocent victims to die. While Florida law may shield negligent engineers from criminal charges, the civil suits that are underway may last years.
The poorly erected bridge, complete with gaping cracks viewable by everyone, proves that construction companies can be responsible for public harm in equivalence to employee harm. Adding insult to injury is the well-documented fact that someone viewed the cracks as adequately ominous to snap photos, but failed to share said photos with FDOT. If known, the state transportation department would have immediately closed the bridge.
Six people lost their lives, millions in civil suits and fees are lost and prosecutors are tossing around criminal charges. All over unshared pictures.
Number of Construction Accidents from 2017-2018 is Too High
Early February work on I-95 led to two young men, believed to be in their early 20s, being crushed by an unstable retaining wall. OSHA and FDOT investigated to determine the cause, although no new information was provided.
In October, 2017, another worker fell 10 stories to his death while working on a Miami condominium project. The details surrounding his demise, including whether drugs or alcohol may have been involved, weren’t made immediately available.
Accidents and deaths are mounting in South Florida, and statewide, with construction companies and engineering firms responsible for structural design drawing the ire of families who lose loved ones senselessly.
As infrastructure continues is wild expansion across Florida, more construction deaths are imminent. Remember, media rarely talks of the thousands of construction accidents that occur annually unless doing so exposes major company flaws.
Construction Accidents Affect Workers and Civilians Alike
Civilian casualties and unjustifiable injuries are as litigable as worker accidents. Personal injury attorneys can work both ends of the accident to determine where fault resides, how accidents were preventable, and who stands accused of willful negligence in its many forms. Read the story about the crane collapse in New York City to see how cranes alone are hazards of construction sites.
Remember, injured persons are strongly encouraged to avoid taking the pittance offered by insurers and construction firms. These are often too small to pay for loss of income, possibly loss of consortium and medical bills stemming from the accident.
Let Us Help You
The Miami attorneys at Payer & Associates are eager to assist you today. If you or someone you love was seriously injured while working or legally crossing construction sites, call, email or stop by our office immediately.
Resources:
miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article216442965.html
nbcmiami.com/news/local/Construction-Worker-Dies-After-Fall-From-Miami-Beach-Building-451912543.html
