Workers’ compensation: 3 injured,1 dead after sidewalk collapse

A Florida employee was recently working on a water main line break when disaster struck. Maintenance work like this is often high risk for injury, especially if there are electrical wires nearby as there was in this case. Firefighters who responded to the accident scene may not have been prepared for what happened next. 

The worker was underneath a sidewalk while repairing the water main leak. The sidewalk above him suddenly collapsed, entrapping him under the rubble. Three firefighters were among responders who rushed to the scene to render aid. However, because of a nearby electrical transformer, the entire area became electrically charged. 

All three firefighters suffered severe injuries when they were shocked as they entered the area to help the trapped worker. Sadly, the environmental service worker did not survive his injuries in the collapse. The injured firefighters were transported to a hospital for emergency care. No additional information was provided as to what exactly caused the sidewalk to collapse while the worker was repairing the pipe break. 

When a Florida worker suffers injury on the job, he or she can file a workers’ compensation claim to collect benefits. In the case of a fatal workplace accident, a spouse or other immediate family member may want to speak with an experienced attorney who is well-versed in employment law issues because they may be able to obtain benefits through the program as well. A worker who survives his or her injuries may collect benefits to help pay medical bills and replace lost wages during recovery.