On a busy construction site in New Jersey, a 37-year-old apprentice electrician faced a life-changing moment. While performing the duties necessary to his position, he encountered a hazardous situation that would forever alter his life.
The worker claimed that it was the negligence of the general contractor that created dangerous working conditions, ultimately leading to a life-altering injury to his left arm. Here, his story is as a testament to the sometimes overwhelming consequences of workplace safety lapses and the importance of securing legal representation experienced in representing the victims of workplace hazards.
Incident Overview
It was September 20, 2013, a typical workday that soon turned tragic. The apprentice electrician was assigned to the renovation of a hospital emergency room in Brick. Tasked with manually lifting and installing a heavy electrical switch gear, he was not provided with proper safety tools or equipment. The switch gear, a massive piece of equipment weighing between 600 and 800 pounds, was a challenge that soon turned into a disaster.
As the electrician and his colleagues hoisted the gear box vertically off dollies, it suddenly swung out of position. In a desperate attempt to stabilize it, the electrician suffered a severe injury to his left arm, a moment that marked the beginning of a long and painful journey.
Medical Consequences
The injury was devastating. The electrician’s tendon had torn away from the bone, and his biceps were severely damaged, requiring multiple surgeries. His arm also suffered nerve damage, leading to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and radial tunnel syndrome.
Over time, he endured numerous operations, each more complex than the last, involving procedures like endobutton fixation, nerve releases, and neuroplasty. Despite these efforts, his pain, numbness, and loss of strength persisted.
Impact on Daily Life
The impact of the injury extended far beyond the physical pain. The electrician’s daily life was dramatically altered. Simple tasks like lifting objects or even sleeping became difficult. He could no longer perform his job duties, leading to emotional distress and a sense of helplessness. The injury accelerated degenerative arthritis and left him with permanent disabilities, restricting his ability to enjoy everyday activities.
Medical Treatment and Costs
The road to recovery was long and arduous. The electrician underwent extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospitalization, orthopedic care, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and pain management. He relied on significant medication, home therapy, and periods of bed rest. Future medical needs included additional surgeries and continued orthopedic treatment and therapy. An economist estimated the total cost of his damages to be between $2,460,590 and $2,736,597, a staggering amount reflecting the severity of his condition.
Plaintiff’s Argument
The electrician’s argument was clear and compelling. He asserted that the general contractor should have scheduled the installation using a mechanical hoist, rather than forcing workers to lift the heavy equipment manually. He believed that the defendant’s poor planning and lack of proper safety equipment directly caused his injury. If the installation had been properly scheduled and equipped, this tragic incident could have been avoided.
Defendant’s Defense
The general contractor denied any negligence or responsibility for the accident. They argued that the electrician did not clearly explain how the injury occurred, making it difficult to hold them accountable. The contractor also claimed there were no violations of OSHA regulations at the job site and that the electrician failed to prove any such violations contributed to his injury. Additionally, the contractor contested the amount of damages claimed by the plaintiff, questioning the extent of his losses.
Legal Resolution
In the end, the jury sided with the electrician. They found the general contractor negligent and responsible for creating hazardous working conditions. The jury awarded the plaintiff $660,000 for pain, suffering, disability, impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. He also received $1.6 million for economic damages, bringing the total award to $2,260,000. This verdict underscored the importance of workplace safety and accountability.
Wrapping Up
This case highlights the profound impact of workplace negligence in the construction industry. The successful outcome of this case also underscores the critical importance of hiring a capable and experienced attorney. Navigating the complexities of a workplace injury case requires a deep understanding of the law, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong ability to present compelling evidence.
The jury’s verdict, awarding the plaintiff $2,260,000, was a testament to the skill and expertise of his legal team. Their ability to clearly demonstrate the negligence of the general contractor and the extent of the plaintiff’s suffering was pivotal. This story serves as a powerful reminder not only of the importance of workplace safety but also of the vital role that skilled legal representation plays in securing justice for those affected by workplace accidents.