Florida Woman Files $50 Million Lawsuit After Crane Collapse

A Florida woman has filed a personal injury lawsuit against several construction companies after parts of a crane and other construction materials from a Fort Lauderdale high-rise project fell onto her car while she was in it. She is seeking at least $50 million in damages against the companies involved in the crane collapse.

The plaintiff is a teacher and a mother of four who lives in Broward. According to her lawsuit, she suffered “severe and serious head and facial trauma” as a result of the April 4 incident. The collapse occurred at the Riverwalk Residences. According to Fort Lauderdale fire officials, the construction crew was in the process of “stepping the crane” by adding sections to it to make it taller when a platform fell from the building, along with pieces of the crane.

A 27-year-old construction worker died in the incident. Three other individuals either on the ground or in vehicles were also injured along with the construction worker and the plaintiff.

According to her attorneys, the plaintiff was a rideshare customer who was in the backseat of the passenger side of a Tesla. After the crane fell on the Tesla, the driver jumped out and the plaintiff was left inside. The plaintiff was knocked unconscious in the backseat of the vehicle, but eventually came to, and was able to get out of the car.

Elements of negligence

The lawsuit is seeking damages in excess of $50 million from the project’s general contractor, the crane rental company, the rigging company, the developer, and the owner of the building. According to her lawsuit, the general contractor “negligently and carelessly allowed an unsafe condition on its construction site and/or negligently and carelessly operated and/or constructed and/or installed and/or supervised the use of the crane equipment such that it came crashing down onto traffic below.”

According to the lawsuit, the crane was not properly inspected, wasn’t assembled or moved correctly, and shortcuts were being made to complete the project on “an unreasonably accelerated schedule.” The suit claims that these companies failed to protect the public from a foreseeable danger.

Damages and injuries

 The suit explains that the plaintiff suffered trauma to her head and face. She was hospitalized, but has since been released and is at home recovering. Her attorneys say that she suffered permanent scarring as a result of the incident, is suffering from mental health issues, and cannot go back to work. If so, she will be entitled to recover any wages she lost as a result of her injury. In addition, she can recover her medical expenses and pain and suffering damages including loss of enjoyment of life.

Talk to a Tampa, FL Construction Accident Injury Attorney Today 

Construction sites are dangerous. When the proper protocols aren’t followed, they can become deadly to both workers and members of the public. If you have been injured in a construction accident, call the Tampa, FL personal injury attorneys at Florin Gray today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Source:

nbcmiami.com/news/local/woman-injured-in-fatal-fort-lauderdale-crane-collapse-files-50m-negligence-suit/3296315/