Worker Killed in Fall at Kennedy Space Center

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 10, 2011

A worker preparing the space shuttle Endeavor for an upcoming launch fell to his death on Monday, March 15 while working on Launch Pad 39A. The 53-year-old victim was an employee of United Space Alliance and was an engineer on a team working to prepare the Endeavor for an upcoming launch in April. After falling from an undisclosed height on Launch Pad 39A, the victim received treatment from NASA emergency medical service personnel, but died from his injuries at the scene. An investigation into the accident is currently underway, and Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham is closely following developments in the case.

In a written statement, United Space Alliance Chief Executive Officer Virginia Barnes expressed her deep sorrow for the accident. She said, “Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of the victim. Our focus right now is on providing support for the family, and for his coworkers. We are also providing our full support to investigating officials in order to determine the cause of the incident as quickly as possible.”

A NASA spokesperson told reporters that what the worker was doing and the events that led to his fall and subsequent death are still unclear and that a NASA investigation is underway and staffers are fully cooperating with other agencies investigating the accident. The victim was a swing-bridge engineer who had worked at Kennedy Space Center for the last 28 years. He worked first as an employee of Lockheed Martin and then as an employee of United Space Alliance, the general contractor for the space shuttle program. All work on Launch Pad 39A has been halted until the accident investigation is complete, but the launch of the Endeavor is still scheduled for April 19.

Thousands of workers are killed each year in workplace accidents despite advances in safety equipment and worker safety awareness. Some workplaces are more dangerous than others are, but, no matter the industry, employers have a responsibility to ensure that their worksites are as safe as possible. Employers who fail to observe workplace safety rules can be held liable for damages. Injured workers and their families often seek the counsel of an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney such as James O. Cunningham to protect their rights and advise them of their legal options. Have you been injured on the job? If you have questions, call Mr. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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.