Construction Worker Injured When Hit By Backhoe on Interstate 405

RENTON, Wash. -- A construction project on Interstate 405 near Highway 167 was the scene of a serious injury accident.  The incident happened Thursday night.  A backhoe tractor working on the project accidentally struck a Washington State Transportation Department worker while backing up.  The worker’s name was not reported.  It is unknown whether the worker is an employee of the state DOT, or a private contractor hired by the state.

The injured worker was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.  The incident occurred while the worker was installing electrical conduit in the median as part of a freeway widening project requested by the State. 

The status of the backhoe operator is important because it may dictate whether the injured worker may have a claim.  If the operator was employed by the company that also employed the worker, then a claim is barred under the Industrial Insurance Act.  In that situation, the worker will have to apply for a workers’ compensation claim with the State.  But if the worker and the backhoe operator are employed by different companies or entitles, the worker may have a claim for negligence against the operator.  A detailed investigation should be performed.