If you’re hurt at work or have lost a loved one due to a workplace accident, then you may be familiar with the legal process that surrounds the case. In a wrongful death case, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other things, and workers’ compensation should be available to you, like it should have been to this family of a man who was killed when inspecting roadway construction.
The report from April 5 discusses a construction accident where an construction inspector was killed while monitoring a highway repaving project. It was just after midnight when the accident took place, and he was struck by a car. At the time, he was wearing reflective clothing and was on the highway shoulder. His back was turned when he was struck, according to the Plain Dealer.
When asked about the conditions at the scene, the family’s attorney claimed that the working condition on Interstate 271 were ridiculously dangerous. According to the attorney for the family, The Shelley Company should have hired at least two highway patrol officers to provide protection that night, but only one was working and was placed halfway through the work zone.
The man was only 41 when he died in 2010. He left behind his family, his wife and three children, who have brought the case against The Shelly Company, which is one of the largest paving companies in Ohio. That company has reported that it doesn’t believe it’s responsible, and it intends to fight the verdict from the court.
The Plain Dealer has reported that the jury awarded the family $39 million for the man’s death following a two-week trial. $19 million of that was compensation for his wrongful death, and the additional $20 million was for punitive damages reportedly used as a punishment to the company. The attorney for the family claims that the company didn’t have the safety procedures in place that were needed to protect the man. In addition, the jury reportedly ruled that the company should have to pay all attorney fees for the family. That fee will be determined at a later time.
The Republic, “Ohio jury awards $39 million to family of inspector killed in roadway construction accident” No author given, Apr. 05, 2014