Making sure that construction equipment is in good repair and properly maintained is one of the basic responsibilities of companies that own these heavy and dangerous machines. When a company fails to meet that most basic of responsibilities, tragedy can occur. A recent accident at Ithaca High School in Wisconsin shows just how catastrophic accidents involving heavy machinery can be.
The accident happened just before noon on a Friday when a construction worker was trapped under a crane. Emergency services were contacted and the Richland County Sheriff’s deputies found a man under a bent crane. According to reports, the worker suffered from head injuries.
The officers who responded to the scene tried to resuscitate the 30-year-old man, but were unable to do so. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is sad that a broken crane killed this man who was only trying to do his job. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident, the results likely won’t bring any comfort to the man’s grieving family. They have to live with the fact that their loved one was killed while trying to earn a living. They have to face the fact that they will never hear his voice or see him smile again.
Anyone who loses a loved one to a tragic accident like this might opt to file a wrongful death lawsuit in an effort to get for damages incurred as a result of the accident. Knowing the laws pertaining to these claims can help to make decisions easier as you go through the process.
Source: Channel 3000, “30-year-old killed by broken crane at construction site, officials say“, June 20, 2014
