Updated on: 11/12/2019
A potentially serious construction accident in Seattle on the University of Washington campus left one man seriously injured July 21. His family, however, is just thankful that he made it out of the incident alive.
Gil Olson, a 53-year-old demolition worker from Enumclaw employed by Rhine Demolition, was working with crews on demolishing an old dormitory on the UW campus when a 10-by-30-foot wall of concrete from the building came crashing down on top of his excavator. Olson’s sons, Shane and Brandon, also work for the company and were first-hand witnesses the incident.
“It looked like a pancake,” said Shane Olson. “I thought I lost my dad.”
Thankfully for the Olson family, the cab of the excavator was reinforced with bulletproof glass and a heavy steel protective cage. However, emergency crews worked for over an hour to remove the entrapped man from the excavator.
The man reportedly suffered numerous fractures to his neck and spine, in addition to a broken knee and a potential traumatic brain injury in the construction accident in Seattle. Despite the extensive injuries, his family says he is expected to make a full recovery. However, it may be a time-consuming road for Olson.
“We keep getting good news,” says Renee Olson, Gil’s wife. “In six months they’ll have a better idea of the recovery for his brain. Then you’ve got another year of recovery after that.”
Construction Accident Injury Attorneys near Seattle
The award-winning attorneys at the Davis Law Group are dedicated to helping victims of construction accidents in Seattle recover the financial compensation they need to pay for bills medical treatment. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys today to get the compensation you deserve by calling 206-727-4000.