Crane Contacts Power Line And Causes Injuries And Death

Bob Carroll

Contributor

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Most workers assume that injuries or deaths that occur on a worksite are exclusively covered by the Florida Workers' Compensation Laws. There are circumstances, however, when the law permits a claim under Workers' Compensation and what are called third party claims against other responsible persons or companies. Because the compensation scheme of the official Workers' Compensation program is so limited economically it is frequently necessary for the victims of worksite injuries to seek a remedy beyond the program.

One of the classic examples of third party claims are those that often arise out of injuries or deaths caused by special equipment brought onto construction sites or contact with overhead electrical lines. The obvious fact is that in these situations there is the potential for negligence on the part of a person or company separate from the employer or general contractor on the job.

A very serious accident on a Tampa Bay area worksite illustrates these points. Crane operators are obligated to avoid contact with overhead power lines. The real possibility of third party liability exists and should be explored when a crane comes into contact with an energized electrical power line. In Florida, there is precedent for finding third party liability on the part of the crane company and the power company. Certainly, the great potential for more adequate compensation would justify a full investigation.

TBO.com posts the story:

Worker Electrocuted At Construction Site

A crew working at a construction site for a new home at 763 36th Ave. N., accidentally got a crane tangled in power line. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital. One of the victims died.