Florida construction workers and companies are well aware of the many risks involved while building. Power tools, heights and heavy materials all contribute to numerous serious injuries and deaths every year. A recent accident at Texas A&M University was no exception.
A construction accident occurred on June 22 when a barn frame collapsed. Four workers suffered injuries, with three of them in critical condition. They are being treated at nearby hospitals.
The barn frame was part of an $80 million equestrian complex in the process of being built near the main campus. Twisted metal beams were present at the site of the 30-foot barn, making it unsafe for rescuers to search for the victims. The rescue was suspended for some time due to concerns of another collapse.
Gamma Construction Company is the general contractor for the equestrian center, which is set to complete the first phase in 2014. Police officials at Texas A&M are still investigating the cause of the construction site accident.
Because of the nature of the job, construction workers often face dangerous conditions at the job site. Although employers are mandated to provide adequate training and implement safety programs, unfortunately accidents do still occur.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or was killed as a result of a construction accident, it is important to seek legal help. A personal injury attorney can inform you of your legal rights and help you find the evidence needed to prove liability. You will also be informed of the next steps so you can obtain the compensation needed to pay for expenses.
In this case, is the construction company at fault for the workers’ injuries? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may need to get involved to see if any signs of negligence were present at the job site. Were the workers properly trained? The answers to these questions will determine liability.
Source: Huffington Post, “Texas A&M Construction Accident Leaves Four Workers Injured” No author given, Jun. 22, 2013