Attorney
On November 14, a Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) employee was hit by a car and killed while working on the outer loop of I-695. According to the Baltimore News Journal, the accident happened around 11 a.m. between the Belair Road and Harford Road exits.
In addition to the SHA worker who was killed, another worker was injured in the wreck. Prior to the accident, both employees were working on a sign off the shoulder of I-695. As they were working, a 2001 Volvo S80 being driven by a 61-year-old woman approached them. The Volvo left the highway for unknown reasons and struck the two workers.
The man who was killed was a 50-year-old Baltimore resident that had worked for the SHA for 25 years. The worker who was injured, a 38-year-old man, was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment. The woman driving the Volvo also sustained injuries in the wreck. She was transported to Bayview Medical Center for treatment.
“Every day, thousands of hard working and dedicated women and men put their lives on the line in roadway work zones all across the state,” State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters stated. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the hazards faced by our dedicated workers. While this crash is under investigation, it is imperative that we remind drivers to slow down and stay alert when approaching any area where people are working.”
My Loved One Was Killed On The Job. What Do I Do?
Employees should never have to compromise their safety just to get the job done. If you were injured on the job or had a loved one suffer a wrongful death in a construction accident or any other type of workplace accident, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. In addition, if you are injured on the job due to the negligence of another you may have a separate lawsuit available. Common actions against third parties involving injury on-the-job include claims against a negligent driver, manufacturers of dangerous and defective products or equipment, property owners who fail to warn of hidden dangers on their property when workers enter the premises or even exposure to dangerous chemicals causing asbestos disease.
If you or your loved one was injured at work due to the negligence of another, it is important to not settle your claims without consulting a highly qualified attorney familiar both with workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits. Workers’ compensation insurance companies may have a right to receive all or part of your settlement, and failure to involve workers’ compensation in your negotiations with third parties may forfeit both your recovery, and your right to file future workers’ compensation claims.
If you have been injured on-the-job and think that someone was negligent, be sure to call our firm today to schedule a free consultation regarding your rights under both workers’ compensation as well as any other sources of recovery available. We understand what you are going through and will protect your rights, and get you the maximum compensation to which you are legally entitled. Comment below, or visit our Facebook page to tell us your story.
Did You Know: According to the CDC, from 2003 to 2007, 639 workers were killed while working at a road construction site.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia Injury Attorneys