A Miami construction worker was killed in Hallandale Beach when a crane toppled over at a construction site. The man, identified as 27-year-old Christopher Ricci, was working on the sea wall in the Golden Isles neighborhood when the crane fell, killing him instantly. At the moment, Hallandale Beach police authorities and OSHA are investigating the cause of the deadly construction accident, but a preliminary investigation has revealed that the crane was in the process of being moved when it fell over. Eyewitnesses said that the crane was being moved towards the street when it began to rock. The boom then got off balance and fell on top of the unsuspecting construction worker.
Sadly, this is not the first fatal Florida construction accident related to cranes in recent years. Since 2011, there have been 6 fatalities in the State of Florida that have directly been attributed to falling or defective cranes.
Construction site owners, general contractors, and sub contractors have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for all their laborers and tradesmen. When accidents occur, it is often the result of safety violations, improper training, or a distracted working environment. Liability hinges on the degree of control the owners and contractors had over the premises and over the equipment. Oftentimes, there are multiple parties responsible for the accident–and the wrongful death.
When a construction worker is killed on the job, his family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim on their loved one’s behalf. Family members can seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and any expenses that have accrued as a result of their injury and death. A Miami construction accident attorney is often needed to help grieving families during this tragic time–and to ensure that their rights are protected.
Source: Sun Sentinel — June 13, 2014|By Linda Trischitta and Tonya Alanez