Updated on: 1/25/2023
A 45-year-old construction worker died after what is being described as a "freak accident" Wednesday evening after being hit in the chest and pinned between a steel beam and flatbed trailer while working on the Montlake Project on SR-520 in Seattle.
The worker, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was reportedly hit in the chest by an 11,000-pound steel beam and pinned to the flatbed trailer it had been on. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Crews on site were able to free him and begin CPR until paramedics arrived. The man died en route to the hospital.
It is unclear whether the site will be shut down for investigation or if the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been contacted.
The Montlake Project is the construction plan to expand the Montlake interchange, and will be completed between 2023 and 2024, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Construction Accidents
It is procedure for the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to investigate when there is an on-the-job injury or death. Unfortunately for many people who are injured while on the job, Washington state law prohibits people from suing their own employers, even for negligence. Therefore, most workplace injury claims must go through L&I.
There are some exceptions when it comes to workplace accidents, however. If there was any kind of third party involved, such as contractors or trucking companies a claim may be made against them. It is important to determine if a third party was responsible for a worker's injuries, that entity may be held liable for the injured person's damages.
Determining liability for a worker’s injuries or death is complicated. It may be in the best interest of a family to consult with an experienced attorney to determine if a claim can be filed against a third party.
If you lost a loved one in an accident, and believe you may have a wrongful death claim, the experienced and compassionate Seattle wrongful death attorneys at Davis Law Group can help, offering free case evaluations for accident victims and their loved ones. Victims and their family members can request a free case evaluation by accessing the chat feature on this page or by calling (206) 727-4000.
