Workers’ Comp For Workplace Injuries
The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently handed down four fines between two contractors involved in the tragic death of a worker at Vikings stadium. Regulators found the contractors committed willful and serious violations of workplace safety laws.
Berwald Roofing & Sheet Metal received fines totaling almost $140,000 for its willful and serious violations of OSHA inspections and safety programs. Mortenson Construction received over $34,000 in fines for its serious violation of the same protocols.
The financial penalties come in the wake of the death of a 34-year-old construction worker who plummeted 50 feet to his death while working on the stadium’s roof last year. The family of the victim continues to try and work out a settlement with the two construction companies over compensation for the man’s death.
According to Minnesota OSHA, the contract worker slipped and fell down the roof of the stadium while installing components to the structure. Another worker was hurt in the accident but was saved when he struck a post nearby. That surviving worker needed 48 staples and stitches to close the wound he sustained in the fall.
Workplace injury lawsuits
The deceased’s family has yet to file a formal lawsuit against the contractor OSHA determined to be at-fault for the victim’s death, though they continue to try and reach an out-of-court settlement. These types of workplace wrongful death and injury claims are often quite complicated as they are a matter where workers’ compensation laws, negligence statutes, and state investigations intersect.
Ordinarily, injured workers are barred from suing their employer for their injuries, even if the employer was clearly negligent in the injury. Instead, victims must utilize Minnesota’s exclusive remedy of workers’ compensation claims to recover income and medical benefits for their injuries.
However, if a worker suffers harm at the hands of a negligent third-party, the worker is able to file a lawsuit against that entity for their damages. In this case, the victim’s surviving family members are eligible to file suit against the other contractors working on the stadium that Minnesota OSHA deemed at-fault in the fatality.
Woodbury personal injury lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury, contact our office, by calling 888-596-6049, to speak to one of our experienced Woodbury personal injury attorneys. The office of Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis serves clients throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.