Accident on I-4 Construction Project Kills One Worker, Injures Another

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on October 4, 2019

Anyone living anywhere near the Orlando area is no doubt aware of the massive construction endeavor known as the I-4 Ultimate Project. Begun in 2015, the I-4 Ultimate Project is slated to cost taxpayers $2.3 billion. It is not known when it the completion of the project is expected.

Since its beginning, the project has been plagued with injuries and deaths along the entire length of the I-4 corridor. The most recent of incidents took place this past Saturday, September 28th, when one worker was killed and another injured after a large beam struck them both.

Reports from officials from various Orlando emergency response teams stated that the two individuals were working at the site, although it is not clear where or in what capacity, when the accident took place. The precise details are not currently clear and are the subject of an OSHA, SGL Construction (the firm responsible for the I-4 project), and the Orlando Police Department investigation. What we do know is that a large beam was either balancing on a piece of equipment or was being moved by a piece of equipment when something happened to cause it to slip and fall. As the enormous object tumbled to the ground, it struck both of the construction workers.

One of the workers suffered head injuries that were not deemed life-threatening by the emergency response crews that rushed to the scene. The other worker received the brunt of the force of the beam. The injuries that this individual sustained as a result of the accident were not able to be treated by the emergency medical teams and they were declared dead at the scene.

The events surrounding the accident remain under investigation with the families of both the deceased and the injured hoping for a swift conclusion that allows them to recover and mourn without the fear of staggering medical and funeral bills looming over their heads.

Work on I-4 was suspended throughout the weekend after the accident but it is believed that SGL and its employees will return to the site this week. It is not known if the investigation is nearing a close.

Sources:

• 1 dead, 1 injured after beam struck two construction workers on I-4

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.