For construction workers in Colorado who perform job-related tasks on the side of the road, the danger of an accident is ever-present. All it takes is one moment of inattention on the part of a driver, and the health and safety of a worker could be placed in jeopardy. Two men were hospitalized in a recent construction accident when they were thrown into a trench after the driver of a street sweeper failed to notice a nearby hose.
According to investigating officials, the incident occurred at around 12:30 a.m. on a recent Friday when the vehicle swept up a hose upon approaching a construction site. This caused the vehicle to drag the hose toward the workers, subsequently knocking them down and causing them to fall several feet into a nearby trench. Both workers were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries, including broken bones and fractured ribs.
According to nearby workers, the driver stopped shortly after the incident, but fled the scene after learning that he had struck the workers. Law enforcement agents have initiated an investigation and are reportedly working to locate the driver. Such an incident can leave a worker facing extensive medical bills and a temporary loss of wages in a situation over which he or she had little to no control.
Individuals who suffer serious injuries in a construction accident may be entitled to pursue financial aid through the workers’ compensation insurance system. However, with little experience in the area, a person might find it advisable to seek guidance from an experienced attorney. An attorney in Colorado can examine the incident in question and provide a client with assistance in pursuing the full amount of compensation available through all applicable channels.
Source: fox5sandiego.com, “Construction workers dragged into trench by street sweeper, police say“, Aric Richards, Malik Earnest and Jamie Chambers, Feb. 16, 2018