Trial attorneys at the Chicago-based law firm GWC Injury Lawyers LLC have obtained a record settlement in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. Partner Michael D. Fisher and associate Louis Anthony Cairo recovered $3,000,000 on behalf of a concrete worker who was electrocuted at a construction site.
Plaintiff Electrocuted by Defendants
In September 2016, the plaintiff, a 41-year old concrete laborer, was holding the nozzle end of a hose that was attached to the boom of a concrete pump truck. A boom operator maneuvered the boom into an overhead power line directly above where concrete was being poured, resulting in a high-voltage electrocution of the plaintiff. The plaintiff sustained first- and second-degree burns over twenty percent of his body, requiring multiple debridements and skin grafts. The plaintiff also required surgical repair of a torn rotator cuff and experienced residual compartment syndrome in both lower extremities.
GWC Overcomes Defendants’ Claims
The defendants, which included the pump truck company and the boom operator, argued the plaintiff and his employer directed the operator to position the boom too close to the power line, resulting in the tragic accident. However, their argument was contradicted by witness testimony, OSHA regulations, and the construction contracts, which clearly established the defendants were responsible for the safe operation of the pump truck and its boom. Testimony from witnesses established that the operator had exclusive control of the truck and boom at the time of the incident and that he alone determined where to position the boom.
According to Mr. Fisher, “The defendants were negligent and created an exceptionally dangerous condition for our client by knowingly positioning the boom too close to the overhead power line, ultimately striking the same.”
“The operator was not properly trained to appreciate the dangers associated with high-voltage overhead power lines, nor was he properly trained on how to safely operate the boom,” Mr. Cairo added.
According to the Illinois Jury Verdict Reporter, this is the largest reported settlement for a personal injury case in Jo Daviess County history.
Contact GWC Injury Lawyers LLC Today
With over $2 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts, GWC Injury Lawyers LLC is one of the premier Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. GWC takes pride in fighting for its clients and their families in all types of personal injury cases, including those involving workplace accidents, construction negligence, car and truck collisions, toxic torts, and wrongful death.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Chicago personal injury lawyers, contact GWC today. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
<< BACK TO BLOG POSTS